Physical symptoms after an attack

[whose_da_man88]

Hi,

I had a panic attack yesterday. Prior to that, I can recall 2 previous ones since i was official diagnosed with anxiety in July/August 2017.

I have no idea what triggered the panic attack but I have lots of questions that I can't seem to find which is why I registered to post today.

I was shopping with my wife and daughter. I was there the previous day no problems. For some reason yesterday it resulted in a panic attack whereas the day before, wasn't a problem.

The lead up. I had a coffee at 11:30AM something I haven't had for a long long time but I really wanted to enjoy a beverage with my wife. Walking around the shops together and i went to feed my daughter and could feel panicky so started to breathe deeper. This didn't work and got to the point where I was sweating profusely and the world was moving no matter where i looked. I had a sense of dread that I could not cope and that I would black out and was trembling and shaking. Eventually I had to leave my wife and daughter to lay in the car.

Today i've been trying to meditate and relax. The way I mediate is lying on the bed. Each time I have gotten out of bed, I have been really dizzy and I have hot and cold flushes. Body could be warm but the feed is cold.

Now the questions.

- Does this sort of sound like a panic attack? What is the difference between panic and anixety attack?

- I've been reading articles, I can't tell if it was voluntary or involuntary. Why would doing something normal lead to this kind of feeling?

- Can coffee really bring on a panic attack? I'm guessing it is a stimulant so is it possible that it pushed my body beyond what it can currently cope?

- Could coffee plus the stress of looking after my daughter in a crowded mall all add up to cause a sense of not being able to cope?

- All forums about panic attack tell you that the panic attack symptoms peak for minutes to hours. However rarely any forums can tell what happens after. I feel fatigued (from insomnia, but muscles feel tired too), dizzy, weird sensations in my head like light headed, pressure moving around inside, hot and cold flushes. Is this normal after an attack? What is everyone's experience.

- I lay down for meditations with the Headspace app. Does laying down work?

Thanks in advance!

[MelaniaH]

“Could coffee plus the stress of looking after my daughter in a crowded mall all add up to cause a sense of not being able to cope?”

Yes, definitely possible.

I have what I call depression hangovers after a bad episode. I’m sure anxiety has the same sort of aftermath. Everything you said sounds very familiar. Don’t be hard on yourself, you’re not alone.

[Barnsy78]

Definitely a panic attack mate. Our mind and even body are exhausted afterwards. They are not dangerous but they are horrible, as soon as you think one is coming on quicky do something you enjoy or even needs doing lol or talk about something you really enjoy! Anything to prevent it from hitting you. Your are the boss.

[whose_da_man88]

Hi MelaniaH,

So these "hangovers" - how long does it take for it to dissipate?

It's 4 days since I had the attack and I'm not able to get out of bed as the body is so so sore (although I'm up now and it feels OK) and my head still feels odd with weird sensations through it (right now, a searing feeling in the middle of the head), and feeling a little fatigued.

I can barely find any articles anywhere on the aftermath of a panic attack to help me understand whether or not what I feel is actually right or not ...

Thanks.

[Guest_2496]

Hi there

Just wondering - did you go get checked out by your gp after it? Could be a bit viral...

And are you drinking plenty of water - I think hydration can help you recover a bit faster...sounds simple I know but helps with muscles and fatigue for sure.

annie

[Rubybleu]

I’m no help here as I’m 2 weeks post attack and a few days since anxiety has calmed down and I’m still feeling the physical effects. My muscles ache, twitch occasionally, and everything feels like such an effort!! I just want to feel ‘normal’ again!! I hope you get some relief soon

[blondguy]

Hi whose_da_man88

Welcome to the forums and good on you for having the strength to post too!

As the members said above....yep...a panic attack.....and with all that adrenaline pumping anyone wouldnt feel that great afterwards.....I had exactly the same awful feelings after my first panic attack when I was 23..in 1983

• I also had coffee..or 2.....flat black before my first panic attack...oops....It was scary and awful
• Annie (above) mentioned seeing your GP....This is crucial as the earlier our anxiety is treated the better our recovery will be...(I didnt know this...and the panic attacks exacerbated...for me)
• your horrible feelings after the anxiety attack are very common. I had night sweats...cold sweats....bad dreams.. diarrhoea...shakes...exhaustion...confusion...chronic fatigue....ugh...
• There really isnt a specific cause as a panic attack is our system is letting us know that we are over sensitized to be begin with before you had the panic attack
• Just my humble opinion if I can....please avoid Dr Google as there are so many conflicting views it may result in increased feelings of anxiety which you dont need at this time

GP asap...You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by making a double appointment

Any questions are welcome as there are many gentle people on the forums that can be here for you too 🙂

my kind thoughts for you in this difficult time

Paul

[Guest_2496]

Hi Paul

Such a helpful post! How did I get to 58 and not know all those after effects of a panic attack. Lately I think I've been in constant after effect mode ! Explains alot....and then can lead to another panic attack cos you're so on alert and tense!

annie

[whose_da_man88]

Hi annie_1, didn't go check with GP on this latest attack. Seem to be slowly recovering like each time I have a relapse (not to the state of a panic attack) but the body doesn't seem to want to respond to getting up and I feel a little zoned out with some sensations in the head. Feel part of the hesitance is part mental due to fear and part physical due to the feelings. To be frank I have sort of given up on seeing the GP for what I think is mental issues.

[whose_da_man88]

Hi Rubybleu,

Sorry to hear but you have been helpful because until today, I can't find any evidence that what I am going through was experienced by anyone after a panic attack. I hope things get feel for you soon.