Panic Attacks?!

[BeccaLynn]

Lately, I have had a lot of health issues it seems. A couple of months ago, I attended a concert and experienced ringing in my ears for a couple of weeks. I absolutely panicked and felt trapped by it, especially at night. I begged family and friends for prayer and even went to see a specialist because of it, even though I don't have health insurance right now. I'm so thankful that my hearing is back to normal. By the way, I would like to suggest that no one go to a loud concert without earplugs. I could be somewhat of an advocate on this now. Anyway, I've had a couple more things happen health-wise that have seemed to send me over the edge. Several weeks ago, I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia. This makes the third different antibiotic I have taken for this in the last 3-4 weeks. One night, I had the feeling of not being able to breathe well through my nose, or get enough air in my chest. I panicked. Then, recently, I took the antibiotic I was given, the decongestant I was prescribed, and an over-the-counter cough medicine that was just a cough suppressant since nothing I had taken was for cough. A couple of hours later, I felt like going through the roof in a panic. My heart was pounding (I have a high resting pulse rate as it is - approximately 100+ beats per minute), and this just sent me over the edge. I felt like I was dying, my face was a grayish color, and I also felt somewhat like I was coming out of my skin (I know it sounds strange) and had nowhere to go. I paced the floor like a mad-woman, opening the door and walking outside at around 12:30 a.m. because of the overwhelming feeling of needing to somehow escape this or something. Tonight, it's close to 2 a.m., and I'm having trouble breathing again.I've been prescribed an inhaler for asthma, but either I'm not using it correctly or it's not working. I feel like I'm getting to where I'm almost in a constant state of panic, at least to an extent, mostly at night. I feel like I should be praying, reading the Bible, having a stronger desire for God during these times. However, I don't. It's like I'm so panicked, I just want to escape, and from past experiences with OCD effecting me to where I would get panicked when I would read the Bible or pray because I thought I was eternally lost, I don't know if I should be praying for help or if I should be trying to do something to get my mind off of it. Now that I don't seem to be dealing with the salvation issue as much , it's like the health issues are taking over. Can anyone relate? I know that I've written about panic attacks before, but this is getting to where I'm dreading nighttime because it's happening so frequently. When I don't have the health issues, it's okay. But the illnesses seem to be bringing this major anxiety on me that I'm not dealing with very well at all. Any advice would be appreciated.

Rebecca

 

[marcb]

Praying for you, BeccaLynn. I know these panic attacks are horrible, especially when you have the other health issues. I pray that these resolve and you will be held by our Lord Jesus during this time.

I know what you mean about wanting to crawl out of your own skin. Yesterday, I wanted to crawl back into my skin, because I felt like I was watching myself in some strange play (I used to pay good money for that kind of experience) oops.

The only practical "advice" I have about a panic attack, is to not try to think yourself out of it. Does that make sense? It's sort of what works with our ocd, but it's way easier said than done. Prayer is always good, retreat to the Psalms if you have to. Probably not a good time to check on your salvation (it's there even if you can't feel it), nor to read the Revelation.

I tried the "fake it 'til ya make it" approach. Sometimes that's all we can do. Again, easier said than done.

Also, realize as Heather G said in the other post, that we all stand with one another. United as the body of Christ. That is powerful. You are prayed for even when you don't know it. I take great comfort in knowing my brothers and sisters are praying for me when I can't pray for myself.

Marc

 

[lovisa]

Lexomil Is Great
Good Luck

 

[lovisa]

Take Care

 

[QUannie]

Rebecca,
I prayed for you.....
LORD JESUS, PLEASE HELP US ALL!!!
I am really struggling too!!!

Q

 

[slguthmuller]

Praying for you, BeccaLynn. I know these panic attacks are horrible, especially when you have the other health issues. I pray that these resolve and you will be held by our Lord Jesus during this time.

I know what you mean about wanting to crawl out of your own skin. Yesterday, I wanted to crawl back into my skin, because I felt like I was watching myself in some strange play (I used to pay good money for that kind of experience) oops.

The only practical "advice" I have about a panic attack, is to not try to think yourself out of it. Does that make sense? It's sort of what works with our ocd, but it's way easier said than done. Prayer is always good, retreat to the Psalms if you have to. Probably not a good time to check on your salvation (it's there even if you can't feel it), nor to read the Revelation.

I tried the "fake it 'til ya make it" approach. Sometimes that's all we can do. Again, easier said than done.

Also, realize as Heather G said in the other post, that we all stand with one another. United as the body of Christ. That is powerful. You are prayed for even when you don't know it. I take great comfort in knowing my brothers and sisters are praying for me when I can't pray for myself.

Marc

I prayed for you too Rebecca, when I found out it was you who struggled with this. I too have had panic attacks and they are awful, esp. when you are alone without an actual person to say Hey, youre not dying idiot...hahaha. but seriously, I prayed for you and I like what Maarc says too. I will pray your night is better tonight. In the past, I have had to just remember to "go with the flow" and let it ride out. -Shannon

 

[stacii]

I almost always have panic attacks when I am sick. Definitely pray, but don't pray obsessively. Pray a legitimate, well-thought out prayer asking for what you know you need during this time. I agree with Marc. Read select scripture and avoid others. Stay away from other verses or books that you know you could misinterpret right now. Force yourself through the attack - the longer you fight it, the worse it is. And when it's over, don't expect to feel great right away. It's okay to take it slow and do something you enjoy - eat some ice cream or something. I actually save things for just after panic attacks so I at least know I have some sort of light at the end of the tunnel. I'll be praying for you and I know you'll get through all of this. It's such an unfair and vicious cycle...

 

[gracealone]

Hi Rebecca,
I'm so sorry you are experiencing panic attacks. They aren't fun. I've lived with them for over 27 years now. I would have to say that a combination of being ill and yes.. certain meds. exacerbate my panic attacks.
The hard part of having the attacks is often the dread in between of having another. Yes.. it feels as if you can't breath and you have to forcefully slow your breathing down and do deep belly breathing counting in slowing and breathing out very slowly during an attack. The shallow breathing of a panic attack will make the attack worse. The slow deep breathing when you get good at it will halt one in it's tracks. Don't fight the attacks just ride them out and know that they can't hurt you in any way - just make you feel miserable. Also for sleeping while you are going through this stress practice progressive muscle relaxation techniques. If you wake in the night begin doing them until you go back to sleep. You should be able to find some info. on line about how to do these techniques.
Do you always use an inhaler for asthma or is this something new? The steroids in some inhalers can make you feel edgy, jittery and nervous.
I'm praying for you.
Mitzi

 

[BeccaLynn]

Thanks so much guys! By the way, what is Lexomil? I've never heard of it. I'm not glad anyone here has gone through it (the panic attacks) but I am glad that I'm not a loon without anyone who can identify. The smothering feeling, the doctor told me, had to do with the walking pneumonia. But, I'm sure the panic over feeling I couldn't breathe fed into the panic attack, and the panic attack fed the feeling of not being able to get a good breath. The doctor gave me a different steroid to help with my breathing, but I understand that they can play into the panic attack themselves. This seems a crazy vicious cycle, but I'm so glad that I can come and read these posts and get some comfort. I know my comfort comes from God, but He sends us into each other's lives to be His voice and caring hands on earth. Thanks again so very much.

 

[slguthmuller]

Thanks so much guys! By the way, what is Lexomil? I've never heard of it. I'm not glad anyone here has gone through it (the panic attacks) but I am glad that I'm not a loon without anyone who can identify. The smothering feeling, the doctor told me, had to do with the walking pneumonia. But, I'm sure the panic over feeling I couldn't breathe fed into the panic attack, and the panic attack fed the feeling of not being able to get a good breath. The doctor gave me a different steroid to help with my breathing, but I understand that they can play into the panic attack themselves. This seems a crazy vicious cycle, but I'm so glad that I can come and read these posts and get some comfort. I know my comfort comes from God, but He sends us into each other's lives to be His voice and caring hands on earth. Thanks again so very much.

Hi Rebecca. How are you doing. I have been hooked up with a paster who has been counsiling me by phone and I am doing better. Like you said, thank God that He sends other ppl to comfort us even though our comfort is really from God. Its nice to have ppl so you dont feel alone. Youve helped me alot. and i hope your night is good. -shannon

 

[IfHEis4me]

I can relate to panic attacks. It gets worse if I don't take my medication or if I take it at a different time. My panic is related to God.