NEW HERE LOTS OF QUESTIONS

Hi-
I just came back from the clinic and was told I had a panic attack, this has never happened to me before. Yesterday I felt very faint and lightheaded ( thought maybe i was coming down with something) then today I felt like I wasnt breathing normal. Almost felt like my chest had pressure and I was still dizzy. Then it got worse to the point where I couldnt breathe at all and thought I was dying. The clinic put me on an oxygen tank, which helped, then did an ekg ( was fine) and gave me a script for zanax. Problem is i still dont feel normal right now. I still cant breathe right and dont right. Is this normal? How long till I can breathe normal again? Sorry so long......

Kelly first welcome to the forum, second my hubby has had severe panic for 35 yrs. okay first take some slow breathes, then picture a peaceful soothing place you would like to be, like a country meadow, or a peaceful lake, anywhere thats peaceful, or get some soothing music, close your eyes and relax to the music
ask your pdoc or T for some relaxation tapes
Hope these ideas work for you
Angie

This sounds very familier. When I had my first panic attack at 19 I actually called the ambulance because I couldnt breathe and I thought that I was going to die. I got the the ER and all kinds of tests were done. The bottom line, I had a panic attack and a severe one at that. As I recall, it was quite sometime before I even came to grips that what was happening to me was in fact panic. I had a really hard time with that because I couldn't beleive that there was nothing physically wrong with me. Once I accepted that I was able to relax and work through the panic attacks when they would happen. It took me a long time. I think I made things worse for myself then they had to be.
Breathing technique's, visualizations and distractions worked well for me. I would also try writing in a jouranl. This helped me too figure out triggers for my attacks.
Unfortunatly, for me, I come from a long line of "Panickers". My grandmother, father, sister and myself. We all have panic disorder so it seems that I was doomed from the start.
Anyhow, I hope that I was helpful to you. Please come back and post if need be.

Take care

Welcome to the forums.

The advice you were given above is ideal.

Panic attacks are frightening. Especially the first ones.

Mostly just wanted to say welcome.

Hi Kelly, welcome to the forums.

Yes, all that Angie, jmo and Place said I can agree with too. It is so scary the first time.

I try to 'ride through it', get to a safe place, have someone hold your hand. I also found out what a person who is with you needs to do, cos it can be frightening for them. Forewarned is forearmed.

If there is anyone there, they need to keep calm, 'be', and encourage you to look at them and breathe - count in and out. It's about being safe, too.

I remember my first big one heralded my breakdown. Something big is going on inside for it to happen, so please take care of yourself, rest, find a peaceful place, and don't be hard on yourself. Your body takes a battering when a panic comes, like a thunderstorm, and needs space to recover.

Its only with hindsight that I say a lot of this ! I am now starting to practice what I preach ! I went into a huge state of denial that there was anything wrong with me.

I hope you can continue to post and you will find that this is a very comforting, accepting place (as i have).

Teacher says 'you are not alone'.

off for a rest now, take care Kelly.........Poppet

I am hoping this isnt something that will be long term but if it is, this is a great board for advice and support!

thanks again

You will probably need support for a good while, the above advice is all good, but let me encourage you to keep posting. Lots of good advice here from long term users of the forums.

I am glad yoiu found us. i have found great advice here. You are always welcome here. I know how bad the first panic attack is. You will feel better. The advice is great. It is sometimes harder than it sounds to visualize somewhere happy and imagine your there, but I know you can do it. It may take time but you'll get there.
Welcome again!!!