Different Types of Anxiety/Panic Attacks?

[Harlo]

Hi All,

Are there different types of anxiety/panic attacks?

I feel like I've experienced three types...

When my phobia is triggered which is relatively often...I generally;
Forget to breathe for quite a while... And then gasp one big breathe of air.. Then forget to breathe again
I feel sick and end up with the runs (sorry, TMI)
I usually tremble like I'm really cold... All my joints shake.
And I shut down. I can't bring myself to talk because I feel so trapped in my head.

Then on two occasions in my life I haven't had the above symptoms... But I've lost feeling in my limbs.. Starting with my hands... And then all my muscles lock.
One of these attacks happened to be in a doctors office. She told me I had had a hyperventilation attack.

Then today I was under a particular amount of stress at work and I started to run really HOT... And extremely sweaty. Then my hands started to shake.
And I was breathing, but I didn't feel like I was getting enough air... I was light headed..  And I felt spaced out.
I felt like I was having what people describe to be a "proper" panic attack.. But it felt different to what I usually have...
But what I usually have actually feels WORSE... This was bad, but not as bad.

I don't get it... I'm confused...

 Does anyone else go through completely different symptoms of anxiety? Like they're completely different things happening?

[Guest_1055]

Hey Harlo

It appears you are almost newish here, so here is a welcome hug for you.

 I have had mild panic attacks in the past. And what happens to me is: I feel out of touch with the world, like not really here. Things don't seem real or something. Almost spaced out sort of feeling. Yes I have shaken, sometimes my teeth do. Um I think I have felt shut down too, maybe that one is a bit like the spaced out feeling one for me. And even if someone says something to me, well I hear it, but it doesn't register in my brain. As for the feeling of running out of air, yeah I do get that especially in closed areas like a lift or a small car with no flowing air in it. But I don't think that one for me is related to a panic attack.

As for the three different types... I can't advise you there, because I don't know. 

Anyway they are not very nice to experience are they? And I am sorry you have experienced them.

I am not sure what else to say, but I do care about you.

With many hugs

Shelley xx

[blondguy]

HI Harlo

I am sorry to hear about your symptoms...I have had them even though nowadays they tend not to be as severe anymore...yay! I still get the sweats, the heart palpitations and still just like you Harlo...I forget to breathe..so I have had to learn how to 'breathe' again....

Generally the symptoms do lessen in intensity after you understand them...I realise that is a big step Harlo but you just made a huge step by having the guts to get on here..With the support of a good GP (or psychologist if you wish) the symptoms will decrease.

I have had anxiety since 1983...and yes its awful Harlo....BUT....it does dissipate which is the good news. An anxiety attack (or panic attack) does vary in intensity levels...... even though I am not qualified as an 'expert'

It is perfectly 'normal' to analyse your anxiety levels however I found this only made the panic/anxiety worse.

Please forgive my explanation to your post...If I was in your shoes...I would grab the best GP and keep visiting them as much as you feel comfortable with....This will help you Harlo. If you are still feeling the same see a psychologist and this can be a huge help 

I do hope you feel a bit better soon Harlo...and I do feel for you and what you are going through...Please take good care and above all...Be Kind To Yourself....

Please let us know how you are going

We do care...sincerely

Paul