Scared I'm going to die (panic attack symptoms)

pazyamor · ‎29-06-2015

Hi guys,

My first panic attack was 1 year ago when I was going through a stressful period, when this attack occurred my mum called the ambulance because no one in my family had ever experienced these symptoms so she thought it was a medical condition because I was trembling, nauseous, fast heart beat, numb arms and legs etc. Anyway all medical results came out ok and I was told it was a panic attack. After this I was relieved and took steps to destress my life and make positive changes. After this episode I made alot of positive changes and was so happy and looking forward to life and reaching all my personal goals up until 3 months ago when I had a few panic attacks within a period of 2 weeks.

Since the recent attacks I am so fearful, I feel this fear inside of me and I keep thinking I am going to die, especially in my sleep, I barely sleep because of this and as a result of this fear I feel panic and anxiety and it brings on panic attack symptoms. And if I'm not worried about dying I am checking on my little sister when she sleeps to make sure she is still breathing. I dont know whats wrong with me and I feel as though I am going crazy. All my friends and family know me as a positive, happy, carefree person who feels blessed to live in a country like Australia and have loving people around me and I have always been the type to look at the brighter side of things BUT I feel like I'm losing this girl I was and being negative and fearful and I cry alot. I just want to be myself again and I don't know how

Thank you in advance for your thoughts and comments 🙂

Sophie_M · ‎30-06-2015

Hi Pazyamor, welcome to the forums. In your post it's unclear whether you are receiving any professional support or have any strategies to manage the anxiety so we would like to tell you about some.

A good starting point to getting treatment is by attending an appointment with your GP as they can complete a thorough needs assessment and may offer to put you on a Mental Health Plan, which can be valuable in gaining government rebates to reduce the costs associated with speaking to a professional such as a counsellor or psychologist.

If you do not have a regular GP then you might like to try one of the ones in our practitoner directory.

You might like to also try an online program such as:

Anxiety Online

Anxiety Online is an internet-based treatment clinic for people with anxiety problems. The clinical treatment programs are available in two versions: Self-help programs for individuals with mild symptoms, offered free of charge, and Therapist-assisted programs for individuals with moderate to severe symptoms, offered at a low cost. Therapist assistance is in the form of weekly email communication. This form of treatment has been proven more effective than purely self-help programs.

Learning some relaxation techniques can also be beneficial such as:

•Body scans. Also known as 'progressive muscle relaxation'. Lie down or recline in a chair. Taking slow breaths, and beginning with your feet, tense the muscles for 10 seconds and then release them for 15 seconds. Work your way up the different muscle groupings of your body.

•Breathing exercises. Find a comfortable position, and either close your eyes or focus on something in the room. Begin by taking a slow breath in through your nose, hold that breath, and then slowly release the breath out through your mouth. Once you've exhaled hold your breath again, then repeat this process until you feel a little calmer. You may find it easier to concentrate on this by counting slowly up to 3.

•Mindfulness. Rather than trying to stop your upsetting thoughts and feelings, try to acknowledge and accept them without judging them. Also know that you experience a range of thoughts and feelings beyond those you are having now, each state is temporary and will pass.

We encourage you to call the beyondblue Support Service on 1300 22 4636. We can help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with counselling support, information and referrals.

Please continue to reach out for support Pazyamor. We are here to support you and hope you find some helpful responses here online.

BKYTH · ‎03-07-2015

I experienced years of panic attacks and was diagnosed with Agoraphobia. By sheer luck one day I turned on the TV and there was a programm on about how some anti-depressants were useful in treating anxiety. A specific one was mentioned so I went to my GP and asked him to give me a script for it. Within two weeks everything changed despite the assertion by my GP that that medication would not help me. I can't mention which specific medication that is was because that would violate the rules of this site. This was years ago and I suspect that GPs today are much more aware of the benefits of such medications for anxiety than they were then. That drug achieved in two weeks what specialized in-patient treatment for the condition had not achieved. I am forever grateful that at that particular moment I turned on the TV and that I had a GP, who in spite of his reservations, was prepared to give me a script for the medication. I would advise you to discuss this with your GP as well as employing the advice provide by Sophie_M. Philip.