Accumulative Effects Of Panic Attacks

[Stanlee14]

Hello All

Im reasonably new to the forum, I first posted to the forum around late December after my first of what would be many panic attacks since.

I was first diagnosed with GAD and PTSD when I was 12 and have for the most part been able to manage it. However in the last 12 months I have noticed a significant change in my anxiety as it started to take on a physical form aka panic attacks and dizziness. The later which swiftly landed me back into my gp and subsequently my phycologist, the latter who thinks my my health anxiety has evolved into a panic disorder.

Just this week I think I may have had at least 3 or 4 attacks and the last few days my muscles feel quite sore and weak as though I’ve been lifting weights with my arms and legs. I do cycle so I’m familiar with with muscle tiredness, on top of this I’ve got a strange twitch in my calf muscles which I know can be a sign of stress or muscle fatigue.

My question is- is it normal to feel physically tired and sore after multiple panic attacks, what kind of physical symptoms have people out there experienced and how long can it take to recover from one. Any advice and support is much appreciated thanks in advance.

[Doolhof]

Hi Stanlee14,

Recently my level of and amount of panic attacks has escalated. I am realising they happen most when I am feeling like I am not in control of a situation or I am in a crowd of people.

Now I am aware of the triggers, I can prepare myself for the likelihood of a panic attack happening and try to stop it before it escalates.

There may be general symptoms that we all experience, plus each individual may experience them differently. Once I have been through an attack I try not to think about it too much so don't really take a great deal of notice of the symptoms after.

The more I think about this, the worse I feel. Once you acknowledge your panic attacks, hopefully you can accept it has happened and not dwell on how you feel but find ways to feel better.

Our bodies may go through a lot of stress and tension during a panic attack, so your symptoms sound like they are normal considering what you have been though.

Have you spoken to your Dr about this? Once I know more about a medical situation the more comfortable I am about it.

Hope you find some answers and can lower the amount of attacks yo are experiencing.

Cheers from Dools

[White_Rose]

Dear Stanlee

Hello and welcome. Panic attacks are the pits I find. Well found actually as I do not have them these days. I can remember what it was like though. Absolute terror though why I had no idea. Chest pains so a fear of heart attack and the conviction that I was going to die. It was horrible.

The aftermath can be exhausting. Your body , as Dools has said, has been under a great deal of stress caused by you mind believing you were unwell. So you get both areas 'acting up'. While they may not last long they do need a lot of energy which you need to replace. If possible lie down afterwards but you can hardly do this at work or at the shops. Drink water and try to relax. If there is anyone nearby that you know, ask them to sit with you for a while. You don't need to talk about it, just listen to them and answer when you can.

If there is someone at work who can do this it will be useful if you brief them about it. It can be quite scary for anyone watching and the tendency is to call an ambulance. I have earned myself a couple of trips to hospital for this reason because I was terrified or the person observing me was scared. Nothing wrong with this if you feel you need more help. The paramedics are very helpful and understanding.

It is normal to have aching muscles. Remember they have been in fight/flight/freeze mode as has the rest of your body. The caveman reaction is not quite as necessary these days but we all have brains that are programmed for this. Eating is probably not something you would want and probably would not be able to digest for a while. Drink water only. If at home lie down for a while. There is often that exhausted feeling even after lying down for a while but it's a good idea to start to move around once you start to feel better. Nothing like a bit of exercise to get the system going again.

I hope that helps.

Mary

[Stanlee14]

Hey Doolhof & White Rose,

thanks for the replies, today has been a little better than the past week. I am still fairly stressed to the max how ever I’m still managing to exercise and keep myself busy. Iam booked in to see my GP next week and will try to discuss my anxiety and panic attacks in more depth with him.

Yet again I thank you both for your replies, sometimes it’s just nice to know your not alone. I wish you both the best cheers.

[White_Rose]

Hello Stanlee

Thanks for bringing us up to date. A tip for when you see your GP. Make a list of all the items you want to discuss (and take it with you). I think we have all been in the position of talking to a doctor, or someone else, and forgetting half the things we wanted to say. Amazing how the memory returns when we leave. It is frustrating so jot down the main points.

Mary