Compare Anxiety Attack Symptoms!

[Jon_Smith]

Hi,

I'm like to know of what I experience is "normal" for someone wiht anxiety and depression. Do other people have a similar experience, do I have it easy/hard compared to others, and what can I learn from how other people handle these attacks? So here's what happens to me and I'd love some comments on other people's experiences.

I get a 5-10 second warning because it feels like my blood pressure plummets, my head spins and I feel faint. Then I get the gripping, terrifying fear in my chest and wave(s) of nausea in my stomach. There is a super strong sense of deja vu and it usually relates to my messed up childhood. It may last for anywhere from 10 - 60 seconds. When it finishes I really struggle to refocus, and often forget pieces of what's been going on the last few hours.

[Jugglin_Strugglin]

Hi Jon,

I am not a Dr. but what you describe could be anxiety OR it could be a physical issue, so I hope you have had a thorough checkup at your GPs. If not, then this would be VITAL.

If you have done this already and physical issues have definitely been ruled out, then it could be an anxiety or panic attack. Everyone is different. My anxiety symptoms were pretty much with me all day. I had constant butterflies, shaky hands, a sense of impending doom and all the physical signs that that feeling causes. It may have been worse at some times of the day..the morning for me, and milder at others, usually the evening.

it is amazing what the brain can do to the body, but then I guess it does govern our bodies, but usually we have some control of it. With anxiety & depression, the brain just seems to overrule everything.

If I was you, I would even think about getting a 2nd opinion on your physical health, and if that is all normal, then seek further mental health care.

[blondguy]

Hello Jon

Welcome to the forums and good on you for posting too!

Anxiety attacks do vary where the symptoms are concerned. You do have the gripping horrible fear and nausea. Feeling dizzy is also a typical symptom.

I understand where you are coming from as had 13 years of chronic anxiety with similar feelings. Memory recollection and not having the ability to focus is also standard with this disorder too.

The good news is that anxiety does lessen in severity over time with regular therapy and meds if the anxiety is effecting your quality of life...work..school...personal relationships etc (if your GP prescribes them of course)

The counsellor will help you understand the symptoms albeit nasty are nothing but feelings. After a while the anxiety will lessen. Anxiety cannot 'attack' a person that has learned genuine and calm acceptance when experiencing a small or large attack.

Finding anxiety 'boring' will bring back peace of mind Jon

You are more than welcome to post back as many times as you wish, there are many kind people on the forums that can be here for you

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Jon_Smith]

Hi Jugglin,

Thanks for your thoughts, it sounds like what I have in bursts you have all day -:(

I'm pretty sure it's not purely physical, I'm in quite decent shape and my doctor checks me over every 2-3 months. Only thing of slight concern is my blood pressure is always right at the lower end of normal.

[Jon_Smith]

Thanks for your kind and helpful words blondguy.

For a while I was doing quite well, as you say found them boring and coped well. But with my eldest child starting high school this week I'm worried for him and they've come back in a nasty way. Hopefully as life settles down things will go back to normal.

[Jugglin_Strugglin]

Good to hear Jon. Have you discussed these symptoms with him. Low blood pressure could cause some of those things too, I think, especially if it happens when you stand up. There are other physical imbalances that could cause them too. Don't want to cause anxiety, but mini seizures, trans-ischaemic attacks amongst others are also similar. In general, physical problems are probably easier to treat than anxiety, so it could end up being an easy fix.

If it is anxiety, I do hope it settles now school is back. I always feel better when the school year starts, not because I don't enjoy having kids home, but because we are back into a routine, which I think helps me.

[blondguy]

Hi Jon

Thanks for posting back!

The anxiety is like a roller coaster as we are 'over sensitized' and it can take an event like your eldest starting high school this week to start the cycle all over again.

You are doing everything you can and had the courage to post here too. You are a pro-active guy with not only your health but your family as well

you are not alone, here for you Jon

Paul

[losingit04]

For me, when I have an attack, my blood will start running cold. I will be able to feel the sensation running down my arms and legs. My stomach churns and I'll have to go to the bathroom 500 times. The general feeling of unease and hopelessness is overwhelming and my thoughts race.

It's a horrible condition and I hope that you begin to find some peace.

[Jon_Smith]

It's certainly no fun, and I'm sorry you have the symptoms you do. 😥

[Muddlee]

Hi Jon,

Hope you're doing alright pal, anxiety attack symptoms are some of the worst feelings to experience.

My last major attack was in 2014 (just after I finished exams). My symptoms were as follows (as I remember them so vividly): tight chest with waves of panic, uncontrollable breathing, racing heartbeat (felt like it was coming through my chest), unclear thoughts/panicky thinking and shaky hands. At the time I felt like I was going to die or that something awful was going to happen to me.

But, as blondguy said, over time the symptoms get easier to cope with (they HAVE TO because you've experienced everything there is to experience). Last one I had, 2015 (this time before exams), it felt half as bad as my first one. I was able to cope with some calm breathing, thought challenging and facing strategies.

Stick in there pal, because with some treatment, support and time it WILL get easier (it has to).

Hope this helps

Muddlleee