[sunshine82]

So I had a really bad panic attack 5 days ago, it felt like it would come in go in waves. Ever since this attack I have felt in a fog . Has anyone else experienced this foggy feeling for this many days afterwards?

[krisakira]

Yes, I am very familiar with the fog, as I am in it a lot. It is dissociation (depersonalization, derealization) for me it feels like nothing is real or I'm in a dream. I always got it between panic attacks when my panic disorder was really bad before I got on meds. I still struggle with it today and get afraid of it when driving or in class at school. It makes my anxiety worse. I try to do things to get my mind off of it. Grounding helps, like to feel your feet on the ground, rub your legs or rub your hands together. Just to know that you're REAL and that your environment is REAL. I hate the fog. I am sorry you're experiencing it as well, but at least know you're not alone.

[sunshine82]

Thanks for your reply, the foggy feeling does make me very anxious and I find myself thinking, "Is this me now, will I ever feel normal again?"
Since I have been in this fog I am also more tearful and on guard for another attack, I feel tired and drained. I am afraid the smallest physical activity will send my heart rate through the roof. I have so much dread and worry I have taken off work for a week. Oh such a vicious cycle.
I start therapy next week I hope and pray it will help.

[Dan208]

Good luck with therapy. I don't usually get panic attacks, but I do get the foggy feeling that you are talking about. I tend to get it if I've had several days of bad sleep, and then it just goes away.

[avlady]

yes bad sleep causes it for me too. also you should be checked for hypothyroidism too.

[brainzaps]

I am also accustomed to this foggy feeling.. 9 times out of 10 if I wake up in the middle of the night panicking and fall back asleep when I get up in the morning i'll be in a fog. My therapist and I did put the language of dissociation on it and i'll admit, i was terrified of that word at first. When it occurs I take a 1/2 Xanax to try to snap out of it. Grounding is really helpful as well. I tap my fingers on the back of my hand, pinch my arm, do jumping jacks, anything to move my body a little.

[tom2123]

Yes it can be. Panic attacks are known to at times cause feelings of dissociation even after they've happened. It's definitely happened to me.