Crazy crazy question

**kittiesmom** · 11-07-2009, 10:44 PM

Does anyone else have panic attacks when they get to cold? These past few winters I turn my heat down for obvious reasons, but last year I realized that I've been getting terrible panic attacks when I get really cold. Everyone I tell this to thinks I have a case of the crazies but I'm convinced other people have to suffer from this too. Anyone out of curiosity?

**Palooka** · 11-07-2009, 11:09 PM

I understand about panic attacks and I think everyone that has dealt with them has a certain trigger.

**danni** · 11-07-2009, 11:58 PM

I don't have panic attacks but I have an allergic reaction to the cold. If I get too cold or get chilled I will get hives and sometimes I get so cold I start shaking and feel like I can't warm up at all. I did have panic attacks for a few years but for something else. People can have all kinds of odd reactions to things that we just don't understand.

**homemaker66** · 11-08-2009, 07:49 AM

I have panic attacks when I am tired. I know that I need at least 7 hours of sleep to keep them away. There are alot of posting here that will help you out.

**2ndGenGranola** · 11-09-2009, 02:51 PM

Like the others said...panic attacks can have some strange triggers so it is really not that shocking that cold is your trigger.

**peanut** · 11-18-2009, 08:00 AM

Anxiety (panic) and depression are linked together. I simply find I am more depressed in winter due to less sunlight. Plus being cold stresses the body more. The added stress and less daylight could easily make a person more prone to panic attacks.

**Palooka** · 11-19-2009, 01:11 AM

Originally Posted by peanut

Anxiety (panic) and depression are linked together. I simply find I am more depressed in winter due to less sunlight. Plus being cold stresses the body more. The added stress and less daylight could easily make a person more prone to panic attacks.

I'm not sure if I agree.

There are studies that people that deal with anxiety can feel 'depressed' because they feel suppressed by anxiety keeping them from doing the things they love and have ambition, where depression causes someone to feel 'down' and no motivation. It doesn't necessarily stem from anxiety disorder if that makes sense.

I am polar opposite. My anxiety is TONS worse in the summer than winter. Pretty much all my panic attacks happened in the summer time. Maybe because feeling hot is one of my anxiety triggers so its worse that time of year.

But then I feel so nocturnal. Shopping can cause me anxiety attacks during the day, but I could get a million things done at night and errands with peace. I know everyone is different.

**Luckybustert** · 11-19-2009, 02:55 AM

I used to have a lot of panic attacks, but fortunately not so often anymore. I agree that everyone's trigger is different.

**AnW819** · 11-19-2009, 03:41 AM

I have severe anxiety and depression. My depression gets worse at night, and when its cold which triggers my anxiety. If I can't relax then I most likely will have a panic attack. I do agree with the women on here, everyone has their own triggers.

Hugs to you <3

**AnW819** · 11-19-2009, 03:44 AM

Originally Posted by Palooka

I'm not sure if I agree.

There are studies that people that deal with anxiety can feel 'depressed' because they feel suppressed by anxiety keeping them from doing the things they love and have ambition, where depression causes someone to feel 'down' and no motivation. It doesn't necessarily stem from anxiety disorder if that makes sense.

I am polar opposite. My anxiety is TONS worse in the summer than winter. Pretty much all my panic attacks happened in the summer time. Maybe because feeling hot is one of my anxiety triggers so its worse that time of year.

But then I feel so nocturnal. Shopping can cause me anxiety attacks during the day, but I could get a million things done at night and errands with peace. I know everyone is different.

Studies do show that they are most definitely linked together. I could not agree more. First came my anxiety and then came the depression. That's why a lot of meds to help people with this problem are for anxiety/depression. They are like 2 in 1 pills. Sometimes I find myself getting depressed because I am anxiety. They go hand in hand.

**Palooka** · 11-19-2009, 04:43 AM

Originally Posted by AnW819

Studies do show that they are most definitely linked together. I could not agree more. First came my anxiety and then came the depression. That's why a lot of meds to help people with this problem are for anxiety/depression. They are like 2 in 1 pills. Sometimes I find myself getting depressed because I am anxiety. They go hand in hand.

But like I said...it can just be 'situational depression'....from the anxiety, not necessarily true depression. People that deal with panic have a get up and go spirit, where true depression does not. There is a difference.

More meds are geared towards depression.....and don't fit with true anxiety disorder. Won't get into the details of the pharm. business.

I'm not saying I don't deal with depression from time to time because I do! It's my fear of panic/anxiety that holds me back from achieving my goals in life, not depression.

But I'm not a doc

**Siebrie** · 11-19-2009, 05:15 AM

I go into hibernation when it's cold! I just fall asleep on the sofa and it takes some time to wake me up. Turning up the heater a few degrees is a life-changing experience then! I suddenly jump up and have energy for 10. Do you think I could be related to snakes, lizards and the like?

**peanut** · 11-19-2009, 11:07 AM

Thanks for the input Palooka and AnW89. I guess I should clarify myself. Some people have both anxiety and depression. Some have just depression. If a person is anxious they can slip into depresion because the anxiety is holding them back in life and 'frustrating' them. And sometimes the depression leads to anxiety because you aren't getting anything done! If you couple that with S.A.D. (a seasonal response to lack of sunlight/vitaminD) then you can compound the problem.

It's hard to answer the original poster's question because I don't know how much she's been turning the heat down. If it's too great a change in temperature it could actually be putting her body under stress. It's important to gradually lower temperatures for the human body. Not just suddenly get up one day and turn the thermostat down five degrees.

A degree a week is sufficient for me. DH can adjust more rapidly though. He loves a cold house. I like it a bit warmer. I find if it's too cold I sit huddled under a quilt all day, depressed because I'm not getting anything done!

Anyway, I think there are multiple reasons why the poster could be having the problem. Just not sure anyone can really tell her the answer except possibly her doctor! And even they might have a hard time. I think it's important she has recognized cold as a trigger and dealt with it accordingly.