[nowhereman82]

Just wondering who else has suffered from panic attacks since their ex?

I had my first during the break up process. Went to the ER because I thought I was going to die. Had one when I got back from the ER. Went to the doctors and got some pills because the ER doctor wouldn't give me any.

I then started feeling like I was going to have one at work everyday because I was paniced about having a panic attack at work and losing my job due to my line of work! (what a vicious cycle)

I weened myself off of them and trained myself that panic attacks are bull****.

Been fine the last couple of weeks but tonight I feel anxious...like the build up towards one. Pisses me off that someone gave me this disability. This isn't the person I am and they caused it.

So ya....anyone else care to share? Sharing is caring!

[0hpenelope]

Not as severe as yours. I thought I saw Lawrence in a Flickr photo album, but the place that I thought "Lawrence" was was actually at the East Coast. So... that was definitely an out.

But my heart felt like it jumped in my throat. All of my hairs stood up and I choked for a second. And my eyes stung and...

I was fine. Good reminder: I still can't see his face. Out of sight, out of... sight.

[Tony T]

Originally Posted by nowhereman82

Pisses me off that someone gave me this disability. This isn't the person I am and they caused it.

WRONG! Nobody can GIVE you panic attacks. Very often, the tendency to have anxiety neurosis is genetic. Also, quite often the person who develops panic disorder has sustained the loss of a significant person in their formative years. This can precipitate abandonment issues that materialize after some time has passed. Later in life, panic arises when there is a separation from someone they have been close to, such as in your break up.

There are many things you can do. Don't breathe fast, shallow breaths but breathe calm, slow, deep, relaxed breaths. Practice your breathing. There is also a prescription drug called Klonopin that's not habit forming but that can help stop these attacks. Your doctor can give it to you on a temporary basis.

This was NOT the fault of your ex but just something that was most likely going to happen in your life at some point anyway...and this is where it did. But I do urge you to address the situation with a qualified professional who is very familiar with panic disorder. You can also read a lot about it on the Internet but be very sure you are accessing reputable sites backed by accredited professional institutions.

[IfWishesWereHorses]

I felt very much like you do about panic attacks being bullsh*t. I have read everything I could get my hands on on the subject and finally saw a therapist. I had refused to even do that for years as I was certain that I could control these alone. Yes, the breathing excersizes as well and not focusing on the attack helped under normal circumstances but not in a full blown attack.

Never had any abandonment issues as a child but have dealt this my share of stress in the last few years. When they started coming nonstop at anytime of the night or day for no reason and kept me from functioning I knew that I had to get to a doctor or I was going to blow my brains out. There was noway I could live like that for another day.

I have always been adamently opposed to relying on medication of any kind and have felt that people who used it were taking the easy way out, but at my wits end I had to try something. Besides, I was self medicating with alcohol every night which was only making the problem worse.

My doctor prescribed Lexapro with Klonopin in the eveings. The Klonopin worried me. From what I have read it is physically and possibly psychologically addicting. Also it seems to have a rebound effect when not taken. So, if I take if for 3 weeks or so then stop I can expect the panic attacks to come back two fold. This is what I have read, I have only missed one evening on the drug.

I can tell you that the meds have given me my life back. The first few days you could have knocked me over by blowing on me, but there after I felt completely normal, just completely in control with zero anxiety whatsoever. All of a sudden I am present, able to feel emotion (where before I tried to block out any emotion), able to function and handle any situation.

While I agree that there is some genetic predisposion as I have always had a nervous personality I do know that generally there is an event that will trigger these. My therapist explained that I have PTSD. Can I blame these events on my anxiety. Sure, but the fact that my body handles stress chemically in that way isn't necessarily anyones fault.

I hate that I have had to resort to this but I am BEYOND thankful to have my life back finally! Now I can concentrate on working to improve my life myself without the fear and anxiety.

If the panic attacks are severe you need to remember that this is chemical and not necessarily something you can control on your own.

Good luck to you,

IWWH

[whichwayisup]

Pisses me off that someone gave me this disability. This isn't the person I am and they caused it.

The situation helped you along to give you the panic attacks, the pain you're feeling, the things going through your head has given you anxiety and panic attacks. To put that on someone else is not fair - Emotionally yes he hurt you, but your reaction to this all isn't his fault.

Do yoga, exercise, (long walks, running or jogging) will help relieve the symptoms of your anxiety. Talk about what it is that's making you feel anxious. Seek counselling to help you cope if you can't handle this on your own.

[nowhereman82]

Haha, I didn't literally mean she caused this to happen, how would she know...but she triggered it.

I've been in LTR before and never had this happen. Tough situations, never happened.

No drama from growing up, raised pretty normal.

I am glad I am strong enough to where I do not need a pill on a daily basis.

Surprised not more people had this go on...or at least won't talk about it.