ANyone else have panic attacks?

My panic attacks started last December. The first one I had I thought I was having a heart attack. My doctor is wonderful and when I explained my symptoms she knew right away what it was. She did give me a precription for Ativan, 10 pills no refills, she explained it's non-addictive and she usually takes one when she has to fly because she becomes so nervous.

I have never taken one, just having the pills with me has helped me, I feel like I have some control. They are not easy to get through, but I tell myself if the attack gets too bad I can take one and it will stop. My panic attacks have involved a heavy chest feeling, rapid heart beat, numbness in my hands and an overwhelming feeling that I'm losing control or won't be able to get home.

Kimberlina - I was so interested to read that you have your attacks in the car. That's where mine happen. I wish I knew why. It got to the point where I was getting afraid to take our car to town. They have subsided the past few months and I've only had one mild one recently.

Mommy2many - :hugz: I hope you find a doctor that will help you. Panic attacks are very real and very frightening not just something you can deal with. I know having the understanding and support of my doctor really helped me.

I have had them for years, and like Kimbery the car induces the attacks. So do large crowds and the inlaws (they're a whole 'nother thread). I was on medication for that and my other issues (OCD, bipolar, and other personality disorders, etc) I was so much more able to control the overwhelming panic that i had and was able to function much better. Unfortunately I cannot afford to continue the med, so i have had to go it with only therapy. I know i need to get back on meds but until i can get insurance that will help that cost, i have to wait. as soon as i can afford it, you bet i will be back on meds.

I can count probably 5 x a week where i am having an attack. but i have learned some coping mechanisms. They aren't 100% but like i said, it'll have to be ok until i get on meds.

I must say i found real diamonds when i found my therapists. they are wonderful (one recently moved to another state and she brought me to a new therapist). I am comfortable with them and really have gained alot through going to them.

I have experienced a few my first was at the age of 17. A bunch of us kids were in a resturant and we were laughing, you know the kind, gut wrenching laughing. My heart started racing and I could not breath not in or out. I felt as if someone was squeasing my heart and would not let go. All the waitress could say was drink some water, drink some water. They all thought I was choking.

My second attack came years later. Dh and I were arguing over what to buy the girls for Christmas. We had just left the store and were driving on the highway. It was the same as the first. I have had a few since then usually when under a lot of stress, such as when I bought my house or when my father was dying. But not always, like the first one I have them when I am really excited too. They always come on when I don't expect them. I do not take any meds for them nor do I have them on a regular basis.

What I can do when I have them is to mentally make myself breathe and calm myself down. I figure the worse that can happen is that I will pass out some day and by the time I come out of it hopefully it will be over.

P.S. I have never had them while driving myself. If I did I might seriously consider the meds.