Panic attack put me in Hosiptal!

[watercooled]

Panic attacks, and similar Anxiety attacks are more common than most people think - I think I remember reading that around a third of the population suffer from them from time to time. They don't do you any harm but they are incredibly uncomfortable to experience. Fear of dying or having a heart attack are common symptoms believe it or not. It's more scary not knowing what it is that's happening but finding out more about what's happening helps. And also remember to think about your breathing - you may feel that you aren't breathing fast enough when you are in fact hyperventilating which, if it carries on long enough could make you pass out. It's easier said than done but try to reassure yourself during an attack - tell yourself it's only a panic attack, nothing bad is going to happen and try to relax. There are some herbal remedies which are very effective for some people - try asking in Holland and Barrett or somewhere, and since it's herbal it won't do you any harm. Bach Rescue Remedy is one worth trying.
Anyway I hope you're OK

[Fraz]

Only time I've had a panic attack was a few seconds into having a small hole in my retina cauterised with a laser. I had this giant contact lens on to keep my eye steady... kind of like an empty egg-timer attached to a contact lens really. And then the doc said it shouldn't hurt as there aren't any pain receptors in your retinas. Anyway, after couple of laser pulses where I realised it clearly did hurt quite a lot, my heart rate went through the roof, I got tunnel vision, and felt like I was going to pass out in about 10 seconds unless I got away from the crazy eyeball torture. So... I said to the doc, "I think I'm going to have to sit down outside for a bit"... and after about 5 mins out there I calmed down, and then went back in.

I was fine after that, because I knew what to expect. But it was a very weird experience, particularly as it came on so quickly.

[Fraz]

Bach Rescue Remedy is one worth trying.

That stuff is basically a very very small bottle of Brandy, from what I can gather. Suppose it makes you look like less of an alcoholic than carrying around a hip flask

[watercooled]

Hmm, well maybe it's placebo effect but I've heard good things about it, as well as first hand experience. I don't think it's really meant for treating a panic attack when it's developed but it does seem to work as a preventative if you feel one is coming.

[staffsMike]

It was always very good to have before exams. Placebo or not it worked brilliantly. They also sell chewy sweets now

[sammyc]

How'd it go at the docs..?

[Disturbedguy]

Aye Jay, any news?