First 'proper' panic attack

[simmobc]

Hi All,

Beautiful day in Adelaide!

I had my first proper panic attack today on the bus, an awful experience. I was unlucky enough to not get a seat in a bus which was otherwise quite full. Not sure what brought it on, I was a bit anxious before I got on the bus (not sure why) but I could just feel the feel the panic coming on to the extent that it felt as though my heart was about to jump out of my skin and my breathing was out of control. I felt as though all eyes were on me, they weren't obviously.

Anyway, I got off at the next stop and walked the rest of the way to work. Its amazing, as soon as I got off the bus, the panic basically vanished and I was back in control - just goes to show that panic attacks are all mental. I didn't have my earphones today, music is normally my distraction and comfort.

I must say, when I say first 'proper' panic attack, it is the first one where I have felt the need to escape.

But in any case - bring it on brain, I look forward to riding the next one out and defeating you!

Have a great day.

[white knight]

Hi simmobc, welcome to beyond blue forums

I love your attitude. However attitude alone unfortunately doesnt fix it all.  It certainly goes a long way to helping though and I commend it.

I beat anxiety. It began around 1970 at 14yo. Peaked in 1987 at 31yo with a panic attack - sharp pain in the chest, breathlessness, distraught. Started taking meds and therapy and relaxation techniques.  Therapy lasted 10 months, meds lasted 12 years and relaxation techniques lasted 25 years. Now- almost no anxiety in fact it is likely at normal levels.

Your bus event likely was triggered by three things. One of them or a combination. A crowded bus and being in a confined place. Not being in control (eg bus driver has control). Some other thoughts you had some time prior to the event that you thought you'd forgotten about but was underlying your subconscious.  I'm not a psych but am talking strictly from experience.

Some actions can be made anywhere. Deep breathing and muscle tensioning exercises are two. They really help.

Take care     Tony WK

[simmobc]

Hi White Knight,

You are spot on, I think the trigger was the confined space and having no readily available 'escape route' given the doors were closed.

Regarding deep breathing, I am new to this but I can definitely say that it does assist, even when I am not under extreme anxiety.

Thanks for taking the time to respond 🙂