[duende]

(Might be triggering)

...but late this morning I was on campus getting a couple of hours of studying before class. It was what most people would call a "beautiful" day - sunny, mild, etc. I carefully chose an area that didn't feel too closed off from everyone, with plenty of open space behind me, and right in front of the window - all good things to me, I think (?).

Okay, I'll keep this description short but basically this happened: breath got short, heart rate - way up, choking feeling in neck, thoughts were racing/panic feeling, tingling feeling in my extremities, and everyone around me seemed to be moving so slowly/calmly in contrast. I seriously thought I was losing it.

One of my diagnoses is GAD. Was this a panic attack? It sure felt like one to me. And what do you do about it?

Thanks so much for any help on this one. I'm thinking slow diaphragmatic breathing and perhaps counting might help.
Peace.

[IndieVisible]

Of course I can't say for sure, but it certainly sounds like it could have been. I too have GAD and get panic attacks. Few and far apart but they happen. Usually I will just get an anxiety attack. Which is pretty serious but not quit like a panic attack. And the usual levels of anxiety which are uncomfortable and annoying but not as serious as a anxiety attack.

Just curious, do u also get extremely irritable and or angry? I do.

[duende]

Thanks, Indie. So sorry that you've experienced these. They're really not fun at all.

Just curious, do u also get extremely irritable and or angry? I do.

Hmm. Do I get irritable or angry? Well, I was quite scared. I was afraid of making a big scene. And I was really doing what I could to look in control. I remember looking around me and thinking, "Everyone looks so calm and settled. And here I am...losing it!" There's definitely irritation in that thought. Good question.

[IndieVisible]

The reason I ask is I have noticed I also have these mood swings where I become irritable and angry and even rage some times. These don't happen simultaneously with my anxiety attacks. But I noticed that when my anxiety goes down, my mood also levels off. Not sure how these are related. Or even if they are.

[duende]

Ah. I see what you're saying, Indie. I can certainly relate to the irritability, anger, and sometimes rage. It's quite draining. I suspect that it occurs independently from the anxiety attacks. That's an interesting thought.

[kindachaotic]

Duende, sure does sound like it to me & am so sorry.
Thing that tips me over into a panic attack is not being able to sit still.
I cry, walk around wringing my hands.
If it's winter time I go outside & that helps, for some reason.
If I was physically able presently, would take off for a run down the street,,
just to wear my self out.
After many years the deep breathing helps & except for the shaking & crying I can,
for the most part talk myself out of a panic attack.
As for being angry at others,, not at all really.
Sometimes can pinpoint the reason,
other times it happens completely out of the blue..
Seeing a therapist helped, to learn coping techniques..
Wish you the best.

[duende]

Kindachaotic,
Thank you for that much-needed hug. I'm so sorry that you've had this as well.Walking briskly really calms me down in general. Sometimes I think my best thinking happens when I'm doing this. If only I didn't get so embarrassed about sweating in front of people when I walk out in public. Haha. That said, when it happened yesterday, I got up from my chair, paced the floor, slowed my breathing, then got out my iPod and put on some mellow music.

Thanks for the ideas.
duende