Have you ever suffered panic attacks?

About ten years ago, I began suffering from panic attacks. They are awful and if you don't know what's happening to you, you begin to think you are having a heart attack. The first time I had one I was on vacation in Florida visiting my mom. I woke up at five o'clock in the morning and my heart was pounding so much, I made my husband take me to the emergency room. By the time the doctor checked me out, the attack was over. I have since learned how to alleviate my anxiety enough that I haven't had a panic attack in years.

I have had panic attacks, usually triggered by something petty and inconsequential. I have ended up hyperventilating and feeling absolutely dreadful. The worst thing, I feel, is when it happens in public and people just stare at you, or laugh, or say rude things like acusing you of being drunk. Thank goodness, I haven't had a panic attack for ages now, and I really don't want to have another for a long long time

Years ago I had an attack that was so bad I thought I had a collapsed lung. I was frozen. I couldn't breathe. The doctor had me go to the ER where they gave me valium and suggested I see someone for depression. That freaked me out. I still have the attacks today, but not as bad as that one time. I get a tight feeling in my chest and feel the need to escape. Breathing helps me to calm myself down.

Unfortunately I am all too familiar with this topic and have been for about 20 years..I feel like an authority..LOL...and that's not a good feeling!! They truly are the worst..and can be life altering. I try to not let mine govern my life but sometimes that is impossible. I know my triggers for the most part and work at avoiding or redirecting them. I had never even heard of panic attacks when I first had one..had no idea what was happening to me. It was more than frightening. There are varying degrees of attacks as with anything but even the smallest one I've ever experienced was at best a terrible exerience.

I've suffered from panic attacks for a while now. As someone who has been through a lot of trauma in her life, I guess it stands to reason that I'd be plagued with them. But they don't always come on when I think there is a situation that may cause them; then again, they can occur when I least expect them, becoming blindsided by panic and fear. I take medication for it and it helps a little, but not very much.

i have had them and they are horriable. i thought i was having a nervous breakdown and then freaked over that. i know alot of people on meds for them. i have better control over mine now but for awhile i was really bad. when i was a kid is when they got to me. the feeling is like one you cant explain. they are different for some people but in the end we all have this deep regret and sorrow for letting it get to that point. it is more common then alot of people think it is too. most of the time you think you are alone and people wont understand or you are a freak that isnt the case at all. alot just dont want to admit they have them or feel like that. it is that outof control part they dont like. when you dont feel like you are in control of your life you are lost , hurt, and feel like a heel. there is no way you should feel like that but you do. it is human nature. it is easier said then done but try to relax and when you feel one coming stop what you are doing and move on to something else. if you cant get them under control seek meds that helps alot of people. good luck and i hope you dont have another one for a very long time if ever.

I had a panic attack just a few hours ago. I had to give a presentation in front of a whole lot of people and I really had public speaking. I practically couldn't breathe until it was over.

It's a horrible feeling. I have had it happen in the library at college, it was just too huge for my mind to deal with and I hated going there. Also for some reason, some stores do it to me and others don't. More often I have them at night. I guess it's more like night terrors but as I wake up screaming, it takes me a long time to realize where I am, at home in bed with hubby, and nothing is going to happen bad at that moment. I have medication I can take to calm me, called Ativan. It really helps.

I've had panic attacks. It started about 3 years ago. I hate parking garages and I'm fearful of heights. The first time I had one I was on my way to work when I suddenly felt my heart beating very fast. Went to the doc that same day and my pulse was 100. I'm on medication for it currently and I do my best to stay away from high places and parking garages.

I have had them for 35 years. At least one a week. I have a chemical imbalance and suffer from chronic anxiety. I've been through therepy since I was 16. It's like trying to take on the world and is too much for me. I take a high dose of meds and cope the best I can.

Thank you for the best response

Yes, I have had a panic attack. I was asleep and suddenly I started shaking and my heart was pumping really fast. I felt very weird and was scared. This is the only time I have had a panic attack.

I've been having what I thought were panic attacks while driving, but now I've found out that I have a mild case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, from a horrible drive on icy roads a couple of months ago. I've just started seeing a therapist, and I really hope I'm back to normal soon- I hate feeling like I'm going crazy!

I had panic attacks since my teenage years and have been off and on several medicines because after so long one will stop working so for the last three years my best friend has been Wellbutrin XL but before that I spent several years on prozac and zoloft.

Oh yes I've had them and they are down right horrifying at times. Out of control is an understatement with how one feels. I get them mostly in crowded areas and I never know when one will strike. I've had them hit with just the thought of being in a crowded area. I feel like I can't breath, my heart is pounding like it's going to burst out of my chest, I start to cry. I'm shaking like a leaf and all I want to do is run but I can't move at all. It's horrible and I try to avoid them.

Yes I have and the worst are when I was driving and I had to pull off the road and wait and pray. I didn't have cell phone then but if I was lucky enough to be close to a phone I had to call for someone to come and get me.

I had them for 30 years and cannot control them. All I can do is try not to put myself in a situation which will cause me to have one. See http://www.mylot.com/w/discussions/996046.aspx

I used to have panic attacks they said were stress related of course. I would all of the sudden feel a huge weight on my chest, gasp for air until my lips and around my eyes would tingle. It is the worst thing and I'm glad I don't have them anymore. I had one while driving one day and ran into a pine tree.

Yes I suffer from panic attacks . Right after I had been in the hospital and having a trac ( a hole in my throat for an airway ) I now have panic attacks when I lay flat on my back. I feel like I can't breath. So now I have to sit up in a slant to sleep. It made have to go out and buy a adjustable bed that brings the head up.

yes i got it once just before my first interview. I am suprised to learn that its so common among the people. It was a really horrible experience for me due to excessive tension. But people aroung were very caring and calmed me down. Interview people also were v. understanding and I could get thr' the situation.