Anatomy of a Panic Attack
The following information is presented according to Summer. I am not a physician, nor do I claim to have any answers. Always seek the advice of a medical professional if you think you are struggling with any ailments
A panic attack is defined as the abrupt onset of intense fear that reaches a peak within a few minutes and includes at least four of the following symptoms:
* a feeling of imminent danger or doom
* the need to escape
* heart palpitations
* sweating
* trembling
* shortness of breath or
a smothering feeling
* a feeling of choking
* chest pain or discomfort
* nausea or abdominal discomfort
* dizziness or lightheadedness
* a sense of things being unreal, depersonalization (like an out of body experience)
* a fear of losing control or “going crazy”
* a fear of dying
* tingling sensation
* chills or heat flush
Panic attacks often occur unexpectedly, sometimes even during sleep. I’ve had this happen.
There are two aspects of a panic attack. The physical and the emotional. Either one can show up first or they can show up together. Usually, if the physical symptoms present first, then I can keep myself emotionally under control. I can realize that my body is having a panic attack or “fight or flight” response, and therefore not get, well, panicked that is something is horribly wrong. That doesn’t always mean I can stop the physical symptoms right away, but I won’t aggravate them further with fear about what could be happening.
When the emotional symptoms present first, it’s a lot harder for me to realize I’m having a panic attack, therefore easier to panic and swirl into a downward spiral of negative thoughts.
I had a beast of a panic attack Wednesday evening, the likes of which I haven’t had for about 18 months. I honestly think it was some depressing thoughts that triggered it this time, due to the book I had just finished, The Giver. I’ve never read that book before and as it unfolded I became more and more horrified at the society that was represented and the things people were doing. I got waaaay to into it you might say and put it down feeling very depressed.
Depressing thought led to depressing thought and somehow I found myself scrutinizing my own behavior, focusing on every negative aspect of my mothering and suddenly things became very wrong. I began crying uncontrollably and feeling an awful sense of doom. I felt intensely depressed and intensely afraid that I would do something to myself because of it. I called a friend to get some perspective but she (well meaning though she was) brought up some things that made me more terrified of what could happen because of the way I was feeling. I was also terrified that I would feel that way forever, become a basket case and not be able to be there for my family. My mind raced through every possible reason why I might be feeling this way so strongly and so suddenly. Not coming up with any answers made me panic even more.
I hung up and sat at the dinner table, sobbing and gasping for breath. That’s when I realized I was shaking badly. And suddenly I knew what was happening. With the knowledge came the will to stop the sobbing, and breath. Slowly, terrorizing warmth spread through my body, but with that I knew, came the peak of the attack. And it began fading away. Leaving me to wonder, why I had been such a mess in the first place.
When you’re in the middle of a panic attack, it is nearly impossible to see clearly, to think clearly, to realize the despair you feel won’t plague you the rest of your life.
These feelings were even harder for me, because at one time a few years ago, despair and panic attacks did plague me for weeks. My only respite was sleep, my only focus, survival. Somehow I got through. But I pray to God I never have to go through weeks of hell again.
And if I’m not visiting all of you or posting as much on here I hope you’ll understand. I think I need to up my meds a bit as this wasn’t the first sign of depression and anxiety issues returning.
EDWARD YOUR A HAMSOME GUY ALL IM ASKING IS FOR BELLA TO HAVE THE BABY AND PUT...
a gigantic hug from me. (panic attacks are one of the worst things i can think of, I’m glad you realized what was happening). it will be okay again, it will.
Summer, you’re in my prayers.
summer
thank you for your honesty. it is helpful for others to hear this and help others realize it is ok to feel this way and that you are not alone. i hope you don’t have another one for a very long time. your description was paralyzing and i hope to never have to experience one. thanks and good luck. sending you wonderful vibes.
Love your articles!
I’ve had anxiety and panic attack before and know how you feel. It’s awful.
I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts.
Take Care!
I love you Summer.
Been there, done that. It is very frustrating not to be able to control your own thoughts. You have my complete empathy and many hugs.
One hour at a time helps me. :)
Excellent post.
Thank you - sending you comfort!
The description that most helped me to understand what a panic attack was like is “a waking nightmare”. Like a dream where something is after you and you are experience feelings of impending doom as well as all the physical symptoms of fear, anxiety and ‘flight or fight’. I’m sure not all panic attacks are the same, but I am sorry you have to deal with all that sometimes. I love you.
Oh, Summer. I don’t think you’re alone in having very depressing thoughts –or a panic attack– after reading The Giver. Holy cow! I know I sure did…And I can think of other books that could illicit the same feelings, as I have read many of them.
Although I struggle with mild depression, I don’t think I’ve ever had a panic attack. I’m so sorry that you have to deal with them, and even more sad for you that they seem to have come back. But at least you have the experience and knowledge to combat it before it gets worse. And I’m so impressed with your ability to not only articulate this knowledge so well, but to also share with all of us your experiences.
Here’s a hug, and some warm thoughts coming your way. You’ll be in my prayers…
Take as long of a bloggy break as you need, we all understand! I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
And thanks for posting all these signs, symptoms and your own experiences. It helps me to understand panic attacks better because I have a handful of friends who suffer from them, too.
(((HUGS)))
Summer, you are brave and strong. I know first hand the amount of strength it takes to fend off or diminish panic attacks. I have also been dealing with my anxiety attacks again. It’s so frustrating because just when you think you have it under control, the panic attacks can return. I was really bad and postponed my most recent appt so I wouldn’t have my meds increased again. I know that you will feel renewed soon and just trust that by reading all these supportive comments, that you have incredible support and happy thoughts coming your way. I think I will post about the same thing that happened to me last week. I think it helps you (the one with the panic/depression) if people can understand what’s going on.
Stay strong and stay a fighter!
Hang in there Summer! We’ll all be praying for you!
Girl, you take care of yourself! Lies lies lies… we all hear them! Deny the dark, as my Mother always says. Never forget that as women, we deal with hormones that make us CRAZY! And I think they become their worst through your late 20s and 30s. Hang in there and do whatever you can to stay out of your own thoughts. Rent some great movies, whatever! Don’t believe the lies!
[...] the anxiety becomes panic and the panic becomes physical. I was so empowered to read Summer’s post about her panic attacks. I believe in stength in numbers and also understanding. I understand [...]
Hi Summer.
I’ve been challenged with panic attacks for almost 20 years so I know exactly what you’re going through and it does feel like hell.
I’ve started a new Facebook group called Panic Attack Support if you’re interested in helping others. As a group we can help each other take back control.
Rob
Sending you lots of prayers this week, Summer. That was an incredibly articulate and courageous post! Don’t worry about visiting… we’ll all be here when you get back :) In the mean time, you need anything, you give me a holler, OK?
Hugs, sweetie!
Summer, I’m wish I could give you a big hug. I know that we don’t really know each other in person, but I feel so much love for you. I wish I could have been there for you.
I’ve never had a panic attack like that. I think I just live a panic life. Take care of yourself. I’m glad that you were able to recognize the symptoms and pull out of it. You are so strong. I hope things get better soon. I’ll be here when you get back! Email me if you need someone to talk to or anything.
HUGS!
Were you reading my blog? I wrote about my anxiety issues last night. I was just going down you rlist thinking, “check, check, check, check…”
Sending giant hugs your way… I hope that you are feeling better today. :)
My mom gets panic or anxiety attacks like these - thank you for writing this because it helps to understand a little more of what she goes through.
So much of this post hit me in a very real, poignant way. Beautifully written. Love you. ~hugs~
Hugs Summer. Hugs.
THere’s more blog bling for you over at my blog when you are ready
wow. summer, you are one strong chick. i think of the power of your words and how you are helping others..you are amazing. way to go, girl. i hope the up of meds will help and you will feel back to normal. ((hugs))
The Giver is one of my favorite books! Now, it’s never led me to a panic attack, but that could be because I first read it when I was an invincible teenager. At the same time, I have DEFINTELY had my days where I’ve sat down and thought that I HAD to be the most absolutely worst mother EVER! I can empathize with you and although I don’t know you, I can say that you probably aren’t the best, nor the worst, mother in the world. I know that is true for me.
Have you been a fly on my wall for the past 15 years? My Goodness. You described me to a tee. I have struggled with all of this– anxiety, depression, ocd for years. Some years are better than others, I will admit. I call my episodes my crazylady… I’m sorry yours has resurfaced. I know for me, writing has most definitely helped me to evict the crazylady faster than in the past. God bless Blogging, don’t you think?
Thank you for being brave enough to push that publish button. My posts about all this are still in draft form.
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