[Arduous]

Ok, long story here.
About 10 years ago I had my first anxiety attack... and boy was it a viscous one!
I just got off work, grabbed something to eat and sat down on the couch. I was just sitting there all relaxed without a care in the world.

Next thing I know I hear a ringing in my ears, my body felt tingly, felt like the right side of my whole body went numb. I stood up "like an idiot" and passed out.
My husband & mother in law decided to take me to the hospital and on the way there they kept asking me questions & when I tried to answer back my words would come out scrambled. I literally could not speak right.
So, the hospital did some test, everything came back normal & they said I had a panic attack.
I have them daily since then. But not as bad. I feel the side of my face tighten, my heart races, I can't breath, the ringing in my ears and tingly all over.
This happens anywhere from 1 to 10 times a day now. Some days I don't have any. But I always "every day" feel like I'm on cloud 9 or drunk. I don't drink either. I just walk around lightheaded and ignorant.

It's so bad anymore I have a hard time driving and being around people. I literally just go to the local grocery store then run back home.
I avoid answering my phone and visiting my family also.
My mother always ask why I don't visit anymore, I tried telling her about this and she said the normal... (It's all in your head & grow up) I'm 35, I don't make this stuff up! I'd rather have a normal functioning life but...yeah.. you guys know how it is. She says the same thing about my depression & bipolar stuff also. Aggravating when I try to tell someone this & they think I'm making it up.... Sigh.
Right now my temple feels like it's getting tighter, my chest feels heavy & I'm lightheaded.... Probably because I'm writing this and thinking about it.
So what I'm wondering is if anyone else experiences this, or am I a freak of nature?

I just want my life back

[Travelinglady]

I'm sure some other people do. I have almost lost consciousness before when I get really upset. Are you seeing a therapist to help you with these attacks? I really recommend it.

[Hawaiian girl]

Originally Posted by Arduous

Ok, long story here.
About 10 years ago I had my first anxiety attack... and boy was it a viscous one!
I just got off work, grabbed something to eat and sat down on the couch. I was just sitting there all relaxed without a care in the world.

Next thing I know I hear a ringing in my ears, my body felt tingly, felt like the right side of my whole body went numb. I stood up "like an idiot" and passed out.
My husband & mother in law decided to take me to the hospital and on the way there they kept asking me questions & when I tried to answer back my words would come out scrambled. I literally could not speak right.
So, the hospital did some test, everything came back normal & they said I had a panic attack.
I have them daily since then. But not as bad. I feel the side of my face tighten, my heart races, I can't breath, the ringing in my ears and tingly all over.
This happens anywhere from 1 to 10 times a day now. Some days I don't have any. But I always "every day" feel like I'm on cloud 9 or drunk. I don't drink either. I just walk around lightheaded and ignorant.

It's so bad anymore I have a hard time driving and being around people. I literally just go to the local grocery store then run back home.
I avoid answering my phone and visiting my family also.
My mother always ask why I don't visit anymore, I tried telling her about this and she said the normal... (It's all in your head & grow up) I'm 35, I don't make this stuff up! I'd rather have a normal functioning life but...yeah.. you guys know how it is. She says the same thing about my depression & bipolar stuff also. Aggravating when I try to tell someone this & they think I'm making it up.... Sigh.
Right now my temple feels like it's getting tighter, my chest feels heavy & I'm lightheaded.... Probably because I'm writing this and thinking about it.
So what I'm wondering is if anyone else experiences this, or am I a freak of nature?

I just want my life back

Hello

I also get very dizzy when anxiety hits. You have to ride it out and tell yourself you will not pass out no matter what. Don't let the fear win! I to went to the hospital when I had my first panic attack and have those " fear memories" . The memory of the fear brings it's own anxiety. Sometimes it's so bad when I drive I have to turn around. But so what, I turn around, than I try again. The main thing is I win. You can to! Just keep patting yourself on the back for all the small successes .i want my life back as well,and one day I/you will wake up and have it. Keep up the faith

[Arduous]

I was medicated for it, but haven't been because it went away. It's back so I have an appointment with my therapist and pdoc tomorrow to get reevaluated and back to taking all those nasty meds.
And I've pretty much mastered the anxiety. But there are moments where it gets so bad that nothing I do helps. I've been dealing with it for years so I've learned ways to help control it but it's cost me my way of living because of the times when it really gets out of control.
So, I'm hoping that once I get back on medication that it help contain it a little better...... We will see.