Panic attacks?
Question:
My questions are:
Is there a way to prevent panic attacks?
I'm sixteen years old, and I've had panic attacks in school before, how do I stop that, because school hasn't started and I don't want panic attacks this year.
I can't get meds, because my parents would probably make fun of me if they knew I was having panic attacks. I don't go to a therapist or anything so if anyone tries to mention it, that is out of the question.
When they do happen, I try to control my breathing immediately, and I put my head down to calm down and ignore everybody around me (In school). Is there anything else to do that could work better?
Please help me, I've had problems with panic/anxiety for almost 2 years now.
Answers:
Great outline of your problem. I'm a physician and I started having panic attacks a few years ago, so I have an interest here. Let me first say that the fact that you are aware that you have them and know what they are is a huge, huge step for you. You won't appreciate this though because you likely only know one person who has them...you. My experience with people with panic has shown me that those who know what they have and recognize it will do better. I'll try to answer your questions.
Prevention: Avoid caffeine (all caffeine til you settle down for a few months). Get plenty of sleep. Do some introspective work. Many people with panic have a post-traumatic disorder. Did you ever have an experience where you felt you were going to die? Unfortunately for women, many times this is a rape. I believe that gaining insight into this is important and helps. But, Maybe you didn't have a trigger. Talking openly about your panic helps as well...This is a catharsis (look word up if you don't know it). Tell your friends, talk with others...you will be surprised how many people have an "issue". Laugh about it...YOUR freakin out over nothing...it can be funny (when your not having one)... If you think your parents will laugh at you (they may as it is something others don't understand and is a normal response (don't you think "real crazy people" act funny?)) you should still let them know (see catharsis above).
Deep and slow breaths will help you when you are having an event. Laying down in a nice quiet environment helps...but you can't do that at school. Let your school nurse know.
There are drugs, but your better off lickin this yourself if you can. I can not stress enough about the catharsis (and at 16 this is more embarrasing for you, Im sure). The introspection is important too. If you think you are more of a post-traumatic then you need to talk about that event as well.
The non-physical world (stress / feelings / emotions / fears) definitly manifest themselves in the physical format.diarrhea, nausea, heart racing, short of breath, lump in throat, back pains, headache, chest pains, flushing. Its an amazing process...but will scare the you know what out of you when it hits!
BTW: Most people seem to have a course of about 3 years from what Ive seen with a gradual improvement...tho you may never completely get rid of them.Talk
I suggest you go to Webmd.com because they have a lot of info on all sorts of medical and mental things.
Just type in "Panic Attacks" in the search bar and you'll get a bunch of certified medical articles on how to deal and it's cause.
I'd get help with it. You think your parents would make fun of you but just tell them that you are very serious and it is a big problem for you, ask them not to make jokes because panic attacks are pretty scary.
I'd just face the fact that you're going to have to tell people OR they're going to find out anyway, especially if you have uncontrollable panic attacks 3 times a day and at school.
Talk to a professional, it isn't your fault this is happening.
do yourself a huge favor and talk to someone ,start with a friend.this is very common and you should not let it affect you or the rest of your life!you can research it on your own at "mayoclinic.com".you should start with a complete check up.this could be any number of things ,but you need to rule out the most common factors.
controlling your breathing is good but you really need to know what "triggers" them off.
i don't think your parents will laugh if you explain what this is doing to the quality of your life [if they do ,find someone else you trust].you are too young to have to try to deal with problem alone!
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