What Just Happened?

[Bella P 75]

I've been anxious today, but then something really weird happened. I was sitting and watching a movie to try and distract myself and everything just went... weird.

I don't really know how to explain it. I felt off, I don't know how to explain it but off, and I couldn't feel anything. I knew I was sitting on the couch but I couldn't feel the couch. The voices on the tv sounded like they were echoing and I could feel and hear my heart beating hard. That was the only thing I could feel. It only lasted for a minute or so, but it was so weird. I'm drinking a little bit of juice in case it was low blood sugar or something, but that was just so weird. Is this a new form of a panic attack or PTSD episode that I've never had before or what?

Physically I feel fine now, but I am still anxious, I just don't know what the heck happened. Has anyone else ever had this happen before?

[AbeLinkedIn 41]

Sounds like a panic attack to me. Disassociation is a common symptom as I understand it and it's something I've felt out of the blue many a time. You don't even really need a trigger, it just happens.

[Bella P 75]

53 minutes ago, AbeLinkedIn said:

Sounds like a panic attack to me. Disassociation is a common symptom as I understand it and it's something I've felt out of the blue many a time. You don't even really need a trigger, it just happens.

I've had panic attacks, but I've never had one that felt like that, it was so strange. I'm glad I'm not alone, though. I thought disassociation was it's own disorder as well, so that's also very interesting, and good to know. I wonder why it happened if it never happened before.

[bin_tenn 1252]

Panic attack symptoms are not exclusive, and they are not guaranteed. They can and do change from time to time. I've had every type of panic attack I've ever read about. Haha. Yes, dissociation (depersonalization / derealization) are extremely common with anxiety and panic disorders. It's said to be a coping mechanism, a way for the mind to escape the thought of facing whatever it perceives as a threat. I've had that often with attacks.

[Bella P 75]

12 minutes ago, bin_tenn said:

Panic attack symptoms are not exclusive, and they are not guaranteed. They can and do change from time to time. I've had every type of panic attack I've ever read about. Haha. Yes, dissociation (depersonalization / derealization) are extremely common with anxiety and panic disorders. It's said to be a coping mechanism, a way for the mind to escape the thought of facing whatever it perceives as a threat. I've had that often with attacks.

The worst panic attack that I had I sort of blacked out and had no memory of what happened during the attack itself, this was different, and I did not like it. I'm just glad that it wasn't something horrible and it didn't seem to last for very long. Feeling nothing is scary. I'm sorry that you have to experience it so often. 

[bin_tenn 1252]

1 hour ago, Bella P said:

The worst panic attack that I had I sort of blacked out and had no memory of what happened during the attack itself, this was different, and I did not like it. I'm just glad that it wasn't something horrible and it didn't seem to last for very long. Feeling nothing is scary. I'm sorry that you have to experience it so often. 

I understand how scary it can be. It can be scary for lots of reasons. For me, it's the palpitations and shortness of breath that intensify a panic attack. For others it may be the DP/DR, or the nausea (if any), or the other symptoms. Fortunately I don't experience panic attacks often anymore, but when I do they are usually quite intense. Haha.

Hang in there, Bella. You know you're not alone. We're all here to help, and I hope you feel well soon.

[Bella P 75]

2 hours ago, bin_tenn said:

I understand how scary it can be. It can be scary for lots of reasons. For me, it's the palpitations and shortness of breath that intensify a panic attack. For others it may be the DP/DR, or the nausea (if any), or the other symptoms. Fortunately I don't experience panic attacks often anymore, but when I do they are usually quite intense. Haha.

Hang in there, Bella. You know you're not alone. We're all here to help, and I hope you feel well soon.

I’m glad you’re mostly rid of them then. I hope to be soon.

I’ve been having a really hard time lately with mental health, I just don’t know what to do, I haven’t even been able to go to college. I’m not giving up though, even if sometimes I admit that it’s really tempting to. 

Thank you for being so nice. 

[bin_tenn 1252]

If you're not currently seeking treatment for anxiety, now may be a good time to do so. If you are, perhaps you could talk to your provider(s), as they can help determine the appropriate course of action - changing your treatment plan and so on. It's one thing to battle anxiety from time to time, but it's a whole different story when it begins having a tangible impact on your quality of life.

[Bella P 75]

10 hours ago, bin_tenn said:

If you're not currently seeking treatment for anxiety, now may be a good time to do so. If you are, perhaps you could talk to your provider(s), as they can help determine the appropriate course of action - changing your treatment plan and so on. It's one thing to battle anxiety from time to time, but it's a whole different story when it begins having a tangible impact on your quality of life.

I am, don’t worry, it’s just difficult. We are trying to find medicines that work for me since I have a bad reaction to almost everything. I also have PCOS so that factors in to what I can take. I found a therapist to go to, too, but I can’t get in for another few weeks. I’m sorry if I worried you. 

[lofwyr 215]

My worst episode of anxiety began as I was sitting there, at my computer, watching my wife on her computer. I felt this wave come over me, out of the blue. One second I felt fine, the next second I was in a panic, but it was for nothing. There was no trigger, no cause, no particular worry. This state of anxiety lasted four months, before disappearing as it had come on. It sent me to therapy for the first time, where I learned a lot about my anxiety and myself, and how to deal with it. 

Incidentally, is your therapist teaching you CBT as well? I pretty much told mine I did not want meds. I come from a long line of substance abuse and try to avoid any mind altering meds if I can, so I stressed CBT in my recovery. I struggle occasionally, but being as you have trouble with meds of your own, don't rule out cognitive therapies. 

[bin_tenn 1252]

40 minutes ago, Bella P said:

I am, don’t worry, it’s just difficult. We are trying to find medicines that work for me since I have a bad reaction to almost everything. I also have PCOS so that factors in to what I can take. I found a therapist to go to, too, but I can’t get in for another few weeks. I’m sorry if I worried you. 

Nah, I'm not worried, it sounds like you generally have a good grip on things. Just throwing some suggestions out there for you. I know how tough anxiety can be, and how shitty it can make you feel. I'm glad you're pursuing your options, just give it time. It doesn't happen overnight, but the wait and the patience will ultimately pay off if you stick to it. Hang in there.