Panic attack or something else?

[Rhu]

Hi all,

So, I've been having issues with anxiety off and on for the past few months (am taking medication for it). I have good days whereby I'm mostly calm and relaxed, but on my bad days, I get really tensed and nervous, and feel as if I'm going to fall apart completely. Three nights ago, I was half asleep when I had what I think might have been a panic attack - I was very anxious that night and struggling to sleep when my heart started pounding furiously and I had this weird noise ringing in my ears which sounded like really loud rustling. I've never had that experience before, and it really scared the crap out of me. I tried some deep breathing and the feeling died down, but a minute later, my heart started racing again and that awful noise started in my ears again (I don't have tinnitus or any other ear problems). This kept going in waves for quite some time, and I had the worst sleep of my life that night. Can someone please advise - does that sound like a panic attack or something else?

Rhu

[blondguy]

Hello Rhu

Great to have you on the forums and a good question too

Everything you just mentioned reminded me exactly of what I had in the 1980's and it was scary.....big time

The heart palpitations and the ringing in the ears are all very common where anxiety is concerned....Please dont get me wrong...these feelings are awful...to say the least

When we are over sensitised and have a lot on our plate we do pump way too much adrenaline around which results in these terrible feelings

I had the identical symptoms and I was beside myself....There was also night sweats and poor quality sleep too

You are a legend for already seen a GP and having some meds too....and good on you....many people are not as proactive as you have been with your health

The GOOD News Rhu.....The severity of the panic attacks do decrease with super frequent counseling (even from a good GP as they have better training compared to when I was going through the same). I was a dill and suffered badly for a few years without seeing my doc and my psychologist enough.

The meds are only a part of the healing process. They do provide us with a solid foundation on which we can heal more effectively using weekly/fortnightly or monthly counseling.

You are not alone at all Rhu

You have been on the forums for a while and I hope you can stick around. If you have any questions you are more than welcome to post as many times as you like.

As you know the forums are a judgemental free place to post too

To answer your question Rhu....Yes...a panic attack.

Just out of respect for you Rhu I have been on antidepressants for a while combined with counseling and the anxiety does reduce.

I really hope you can stick around Rhu....There is also no such thing on the forums as a dumb question either.

My kind thoughts for you in this awful time

Paul

[Rhu]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your kind words. In a weird sort of way it's good to know it was a panic attack and not something else - when it happened I actually feared it was some sort of ear problem or illness going on. I had numerous anxiety attacks around two years ago when my anxiety was at its worst, but I never had such severe palpitations or that ringing noise in my ears. Phew, it's a relief to know it wasn't some sort of physical illness.

Sounds like you're doing pretty well yourself in managing your anxiety. It's such a nasty thing isn't it? Thank goodness we're not alone in it. I'm so glad all you great guys are here on Beyondblue.

Thanks for your support and all the best to you Paul!

Rhu

[blondguy]

Hi Rhu

Thanks for posting back. It is a nasty condition for sure. It can be debilitating

Thankyou for the kind feedback too. My first mega anxiety attack was in 1983 when I was 23.

It took me a long time to heal. I now know that the earlier we get treatment the better our recovery. Let us know how you are travelling anytime

Happy New Year to you Rhu📣

My kind thoughts

Paul

[Rhu]

Happy New Year to you too and I hope 2018 will be a better year for us all!

[blondguy]

Thanks Heaps Rhu for the New Years Wishes for everyone 🙂

Great to have you on the forums

My Best for you

Paul