panc attack or psychotic episode?

[Pounce]

I had an episode a month or two ago. I couldn't bring myself to mention it to anyone till this week, but it's been weighing on my mind. I've had lots of thoughts of suicide and self harm previously, which sometimes have become compulsions, but this was different. I can't remember what happened, but it was something that triggered an extreme anxiety episode. I felt like one hand wanted to hurt myself, but I physically held it with the other hand to stop it from doing anything. Very frightening. I ran away. I thought I was losing my grip on reality. Can panic attacks be like this? I worry that I'm having psychotic episodes sometimes

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[white knight]

Hi Pounce

It's been a while since you posted and nil replies. That occurs when persons have no answer to help you.

I strongly advise you to seek treatment for this. Attend your doctor etc. Alsouse search to read the threads-

Think b4 you act

Anyone with suicidal thoughts please read this

Good luck   TONY WK

[Pounce]

Thank you for your concern. I am seeing a psychologist and am on two different anti-depressants. I'm just scared to ask certain questions. I can't get locked up in hospital again

[white knight]

Hi Pounce.

It is important to remember that answers you get here are from persons that suffer mental illness themselves. We are not qualified psych professionals.

Yet, you need to know some answers to your problems. So thats why I have no other answers for you except to support you and recommend a few posts for you to read.

Fear of being "locked up" is a real one. I wont tell you otherwise. But it shouldnt stop you from mentioning it to your psychologist but ensure you get his promise not to allow your truthfulness to result in such bad treatment.

Good luck and take care. And remember, medical staff are wanting to help to keep you safe, not treat you like a criminal. Have faith in them. They do care about you.

Tony WK

[Beltane]

White Knight has an excellent point. There are very strict laws regarding involuntary placement in a psychiatric ward; it really is reserved for the most extreme of cases.

i do understand your fear but on the other hand, you really cant allow that fear to stop you from telling your medical and psychiatric professionals your true symptoms.

you need to be honest about your symptoms. Tell them exactly as they happened, rather than what you think they were (eg dont try to guess whether they were panic or psychosis- let the professionals do that).

The correct diagnosis is absolutely essential to ensure correct treatment. Without correct treatment, most mental illnesses will continue to get worse. I can say that in the years my bipolar wasn't correctly diagnosed, it certainly got worse. In the end, a change of medication and a new therapist was all i needed to get back onto the path of wellness.

So please be honest about your symptoms for your own sake- to get the right treatment.