Not sure what to think
My grandmother had her first panic attack when she was about 25, her mother had her first panic attack when she was about 25. I was 24ish I believe when I first had one, though I didn’t know what it was then, I can look back now and see with clarity that is exactly what it was.
I have to wonder, based on this information if panic attacks can be hereditary. There are many different triggers for them but my grandmother has been told she has a heart condition that might cause them. It’s called mitral valve prolapse and guess what ? It’s hereditary. And guess what types of symptoms may be exhibited? The same kind you get when you’re having a panic attack.
What I’m not sure about, is why I seem to be having more panic attacks of late. It is, I admit, more frightening when they come on super suddenly. The other night just out of the blue I felt my pulse rise. My heart began to race, my teeth began to chatter, my muscles started spasming. I was glad I had Tom home. He held me for a bit without even knowing what was happening. But at one point I took a deliberately slow, shuddery breath (in an effort to calm my body) and it alerted him.
“Trying to have a panic attack?” he asked seriously.
“Trying NOT to,” I said back with a smile. And I chuckled.
As the terror and paralyzation and physical symptoms were spreading through me, I chuckled. How is it possible to feel hopeful and playful in the midst of something so terrifying? One thing comes to mind: sometimes it’s the only thing you can do.
It helps that I know there will be an end to it. That the symptoms will abate. That it doesn’t matter why they started or when they’ll leave, just that they will. And I can laugh at the thought of my ridiculously spasming muscles, and my ridiculous chattering teeth in our 78 degree apartment because the symptoms are only temporary. It’s just another storm to maneuver through. Sometimes for a few minutes, sometimes for a few hours.
But I have hope through every storm because experience has shown me, storm clouds always part.
We did a space themed party a few years back for our son on the cheap. We...
Summer, I love your inexhaustable optimism and strength.
I’ve always felt that of all things I should be able to control, my body is the most basic thing. When you lose control of that, it can be one of the most frightening and frustrating experiences.
You’re in my prayers!
“I have hope through every storm because experience has shown me, storm clouds always part”. I love that. It’s so true. Thank-you for sharing.
I used to suffer from panic attacks pretty often. However, I don’t know of anyone else in my family who has them, too. For me, my panic attacks are triggered by extreme stress or emotional situations. I even had one on the plane in the middle of boarding passengers!
I’m so sorry that you’re going through this and hope that things get better.
I don’t have panic attacks but I do have severe bouts of depression that put me in bed at times. Like you, I’ve come to the realization that “the storm clouds always part.” I go to the doctor, take my meds, do other holistic health things, and then I wait for the bleakness to clear. It always does.
I’m glad you have someone to help you through it… but I’m also glad that you have such a beautiful perspective of things! You are a great example of strength and faith!
I’ve never understood how you do all that you do. Your strength has always inspired me, and it continues to do so. You are truly, truly a woman of great strength and destiny. I’m so glad to call you friend!
I like your saying that the storm clouds always part. I think I will replace it with my old worn out saying that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am so happy that you recognize what these silly attacks are and can work your way through them. With my 70 years I am still doing panic attacks that sometimes catch me off guard. But you have great strength and great faith Summer. It will never get you down again.
I love the line you ended this post with!
Interesting thoughts you have here. It really does seem like there might be some genetics playing a part in all of this. Have you ever had a complete heart check up to make sure there isn’t something bringing on your panic attacks as of late?