I had a panic attack

[Barbara Steinberg]

I had a panic attack.

So I did some research on panic attacks. WEGO Health has excellent information on this.

You can get them when you have a phobia, and you have to face your fear. People who already have anxiety and depressive disorders face them, as well as schizophrenics. Traumatic events, such as family loss or war can cause them.

Panic disorder is when you experience these attacks on a regular basis. Your heart pounds rapidly; you perspire; breathing becomes difficult; there is chest pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, chills, numbness, trembling, a sensation of choking, detachment, and/or a fear of losing control or dying.

To treat a panic attack, the Mayo Clinic recommends SSRIs such as Zoloft, so Check. I did that. Benzodiazapines such as Klonopin. Check. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which I need to deal with my issues. I have to do that on some serious unresolved issues, but that is slow going.

I do stress baths and gardening, and sing to my medieval madrigal CD's with score in hand. These are mind-body-spirit stress relievers. James's psychiatrist treats us both, so I do get to talk to someone. I have lost 15 pounds. I eat a lot of green things, and next year, I'm growing my own food. But owing $6000 in three days put my mental health back a few steps.

But isn't life like that. An event will put you back a few steps, and then you have to pick yourself up and go forward again.

References:
http://anxiety.wegohealth.com/panic-attack.html
http://anxiety.wegohealth.com/panic-attack/the-root-of-the-problem/...
http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/wellness_concerns/p...
http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/panic-disorder-key-qa.html?page...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/panic-attacks/DS00338/DSECTION=8

[Jolyn]

Oh, those miserable panic attacks! I've had them in the past. The only thing I could do to stop them was lie down flat on my chest, breathe in to a count of four, hold for a count of four and breathe out for a count of four -- a trick that a friend/therapist taught me. I would do this until the attack subsided, usually within a few seconds. Granted, this is a difficult method to execute when in public.

I've known many people, of all ages, in differing professions and both men and women who had these. We know a lot more about them now than we did back when I had them. It sounds like you've done your homework, Barbara! I wish you the best.