How to cope with multiple panic attacks at night?

[Kate_S]

Hey guys,

My health anxiety has recently fallen into a flareup and about a month a go I started having panic attacks for the first time in 4 years. Now in this time I have seen multiple doctors, called the ambulance 3 times and have been to the ED twice. Have had 3 ECGs, multiple bloods, chest X-ray - all clear and my vitals are perfect every time they are checked, so really i'm really trying to accept and trust my heart is okay. In the last 4 days I have had multiple panic attacks each night and have been diagnosed with Panic Disorder. But these attacks still feel almost unbearable and its really starting to interfere with my life, I still have so much fear, I don't know what to do. Anyone have any tips/support/advice?

Thanks

[Summer Rose]

Hi Kate

I’m really sorry to hear about your panic attacks. It sounds awful for you and I can understand how this would be an area of major concern for you.

I know that you’ve been waiting some time for a response to your post. Sometimes a lot of posts appear at once and this causes some posts to be missed and “pushed down the queue”, if that makes sense.

I am responding to let you know that you’ve been heard and that someone cares. My response will also push your post “up the queue”.

I am hopeful that there must be other members of our community who can relate to your concern and that someone with knowledge of panic attacks will respond.

Kind thoughts to you

[Arabesque]

Hello Kate.

I am really sorry to hear that you are going through this, and I know from my own experience that panic attacks during the night can be doubly frightening.

First, I'm not a doctor, so anything I say from here is based on what I've learned from my own experience. But I believe that if you've had good results on the physical tests, ECG etc, then you can be assured that you are indeed physically fine and not about to drop dead, which I'm guessing is how it feels.

I wasn't okay. The attack led me to a cardiac event as they call it, but it was quite clear that that was happening when I was in the ED. So, I guess what I'm saying is, trust the doctors and the results, particularly if you've had the same results each time.

But meantime, you're still getting anxiety attacks in the middle of the night. If you haven't already done so, can I suggest that you make an appointment to see your GP. When you're making the appointment tell them that you're wanting to have a mental health care plan/review and they should book you in for more time for the consult.

From that you will start getting some help with your mental health, most likely a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist. At least I certainly hope so.

It's a tough first step, but your GP should respond in the same way as if you went in there for any other medical issue. And if they don't , go somewhere else.

Good luck Kate.