Why do panic attacks make you think you are going to die?
537432
a panic attack is your bodys "fight or flight" reaction kicking in. the only difference is that its not considered rational at the moment that it happens. say you are walking in the jungle and a lion jumps out in front of you, thats the fight or flight reaction having a purpose. i have panic attacks, i know how you feel. no one ever died from a panic attack even though it can make you feel like it. if you need couseling try www.onestepatatime.com or if you just want someone to talk to you can talk to me. kristeena911@yahoo.com Good luck!
449978
Obviously this is a very important question and it \ndeserves the best possible answer.  There are usually\nsome variations among the symptoms; and among the\nreasons, if any can be identified.  Panic attacks can\nbe treated by a wide variety of meds, sometimes even \nmost successfully as a "side effect" of a certain med.\nSo if a sufferer wants the best chance of relief\nas soon as possible, and wants to avoid multiple trials\nof different drugs which aren't helpful, the individual\naspects of the attacks should be discussed with a\npsychiatrist who is clinically skilled and caring.\nAre such doctors hard to find?  Yes, they can be.\nDon't start by listings in a phone book.  Ask other\nhealth professionals or people who have had similar\nproblems, as long as you trust them and can respect\ntheir opinions.  Your question is much too general\nto answer without good medical help.  And even though\nfinding that may be a job in itself, it's worth \nthe effort.
446855
Hi, I know all too well about anxiety. I have generalized anxiety disorder, which means I am always on edge and find it very hard to relax and am always tense. I do take medication for this and it helps. There are different types of anxiety and everyone experiences some at one point in there life. Panic attacks(anxiety attacks) which are linked to anxiety, is having "a fight or flight" feeling, you may get a fast heartrate, sweat, feel disoriented, confused. etc. Adrenaline gets into your body and at times you may feel like "your dying", it is a very unpleasant feeling, however, there is medication like SSRI's (the newer anti depressants, and "nerve pills", which calm you down), though these medications should be prescribed my a reputable doctor and taken exactly as prescribed, also exercise helps a lot.\nHope this helps.
1070486
I'm making a guess here, but you may be suffering from a form of panic attack syndrome.  It's been my experience that with PAS, people will oftentimes develop an irrational fear that springs from one identifiable event (or not so easily identifiable) that hits them with such force  that from then on, a feeling of dread comes over them each time they find themselves in a similar situation.  I had a friend who would clutch every time they were driving, but only when they went over a long bridge.  Another person I knew, who couldn't have been a more loving mom, had a thought once of picking up scissors and doing something to her child. She was mortified, but now can't completely get the offending thought out of her mind.  Is this what you're experiencing with driving.  If so, think seriously about this question:  was there a defining moment when you were driving or thinking about driving that this thought of killing someone or getting killed yourself "swept" over you?  I've discovered with PAS, that you might have had similar thoughts before and easily dismissed them, but at a particularly vulnerable point the same thought has much greater sway over you, and is frightening at that point.  What makes it frightening is that along with the thought comes the PANIC ATTACK or sense of dread, and we react to the instigating thought in a much more fearful way because of the sensation of panic that attends the thought.  Why it becomes difficult is that we often lose sight of the initial moment when this PANIC(or dread) first hit us, and especially fail to notice that we may have been uniquely (for us) vulnerable at that moment due to prior lack of sleep, excess caffeine intake, outside stress, painful life events, etc. Hope this wasn't too rambling an answer, but the things that best helped me were 1) letting the "feeling" that comes along with the fear wash over me rather that fighting it or trying to shut it off - it loses its sting that way, or 2) the proper antidepressant.
599164
it could be post tramatic stress syndrome where you are worried about it happening again and your body goes into a phase where it reacts as if its happening again. the orgasim thing i wouldnt worry to much about. for the last 6mo, i have been having chest pain and if you look at every medical website out there, and i told you the symptoms that accompany my chest pain you would tell me i am having the exact symptoms of a heart attack. i have been to a cardiologist and have had many, many tests done and there is nothing wrong with my heart, lungs or anything in my chest. the very idea that i will have an attack will bring on an attack. you could be experiencing the same thing. the fear that it will happen again makes your body react to the way it reacted when the action took place. i would talk to a family dr about it and see someone about it. usually you can see someone for about 20 mn once a month, just to give them updates and such, and it is very affordable. also, you might try to go to webmd.com and read about home treatment for panic attacks.
207874
Panic attacks are a pain. My son gets them all the time. I got him counseling and a good psychiatrist. The counseling helped him deal with his frustration, and the psychiatrist was able to prescribe medication that controls it.\n\nPanic attacks are caused by a brain chemical imbalance. You're not crazy... you just feel that way for a while. What happens is that a normal brain puts out seratonin to make you feel like you can solve your problems, that the world is pretty much okay, etc. But in people with panic attacks, their brain puts out another chemical to kill off the seratonin. So you feel like the world is not right and that you're fighting a losing battle. The medications prevent that second chemical from killing off the seratonin, so in the end, you feel normal. These medications don't make you feel doped up or sleepy or anything like that. They make you feel NORMAL again. They're called Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). \n\nAsk your doctor about them. I definitely recommend getting them from a psychiatrist rather than from a regular doctor because a psychiatrist is an MD who specializes in problems related to emotions. That's the best person for this. You aren't going crazy. But sometimes it sure feels that way.\n\nAnxiety is a different but related issue. For that, you can take tranquilizers, which work in about 20 minutes. The SSRIs are not addictive and they take about two weeks to kick in. But the tranquilizers can be addictive, so take them only when really necessary. Your best bet is to take an SSRI and then use the tranquilizers only when your anxiety pops up, which should be way less often when you take the SSRIs.
585369
I suffer with bad panic attacks that get that bad i have to cut myself to stop them.\nThe best way to cope with a panic attack is to try to breath it off the best u can, and try to reassure yourself that everything will be ok. If you feel ok to walk try to walk it off and shake ur hands till you feel better.\nif non of these work then try to find a paper bag and use that method. Remember you are not going to die, it is just your bodies reaction to the fight or flight situation.
958564
You are having panic attacks-millions of people get them. Please go and see a Dr. there are many medications available to help you until they pass.It doesn't matter why we exist , we just do. Another thing with panic attacks, stay away from caffeine and antihistamines they can aggravate the condition.
390524
there are lot's of ways to handle panic attacks. First is to remember that you are not "crazy" or "making it up in your head". They are a result of stress and sometimes stem from a traumatic event. I think that it's always good to see someone you can talk with like a counselor. Also deep breathing can be really helpful, 10 deep breaths slowly. There is a Bach's flower essence called Rescue Remedy, it's found in most natural food stores. A few drops under the tongue can be helpful. Just remember to stay in your body and ask for help. Good luck and good work being brave enough to ask for help!
195400
firstly panic attacks are not dangerous and you will not die from them - they are not a physical problem they just cause physical symptoms.  Avoiding what gives you panic attacks is the wrong thing to do, the sooner you confront the problem the better you will get.  I suffered very severe panic attacks for a number of years and avoided situations that made me worse.  Its very very difficult coping with panic attacks because even when your not panicking you panic about having another attack.  You need to tell yourself when it happens that nothing is going to happen to you and you can come through this - i have found that sound reasoning with myself (which is difficult at the time) is the only way to confront these terrible feelings.  Going for a walk or exercising are good ways of getting over a panic attack. Its very disturbing to  have  panic attacks but just tell yourself you will be alright, i know this is easier daid than done.  I really do speak from personal experience and its hard.  There is some really good information on the web \n\nwww.anxietypanic.com\nwww.panicattacks.com.au\nwww.npadnews.com\nwww.mayoclinic.com/health/panic-attacks\nwww.nimh.nih.gov/healthinformation/panicmenu.cfm
759019
When I have an anxiety attack, I feel like my heart is going to pulse right out of my chest, I feel like I can't get enough air, I start to sweat, I can't focus on anything (like total meltdown), and I feel like I'm being closed in.  I feel like I'm going to puke, and I feel like my stomach is on fire.  That's what I feel.\n\nThe clinical definition of a panic attack is:\n\nA panic attack is a severe attack of anxiety and fear which occurs suddenly, often without warning, and for no apparent reason. Various other symptoms then occur during a panic attack. These include one or more of the following:\n\nPalpitations or a thumping heart. \nSweating and trembling. \nHot flushes or chills. \nFeeling short of breath, sometimes with choking sensations. \nChest pains. \nFeeling sick. \nFeeling dizzy, or faint. \nFear of dying or going crazy. \nNumbness, or pins and needles. \nFeelings of unreality, or being detached from yourself.\nThe physical symptoms that occur with panic attacks do not mean there is a physical problem with the heart, chest, etc. The symptoms mainly occur because of an 'overdrive' of nervous impulses from the brain to various parts of the body during a panic attack.\n\nDuring a panic attack you tend to over-breathe (hyperventilate). If you over-breathe you 'blow out' too much carbon dioxide which changes the acidity in the blood. This can then cause more symptoms such as confusion and cramps, and make palpitations, dizziness, and pins and needles worse. This can make the attack seem even more frightening, and make you over-breathe even more, and so on.\n\nA panic attack usually lasts 5-10 minutes, but sometimes they come in 'waves' for up to two hours.\n\nWho gets panic attacks? \nAt least 1 in 10 people have occasional panic attacks. The tend to occur most in young adults. Twice as many women than men have panic attacks. Anyone can have a panic attack, but they also tend to run in some families.\n\nWhat causes panic attacks? \nPanic attacks usually occur for no apparent reason. The cause is not clear. Stressful life events such as a bereavement may sometimes trigger a panic attack.\n\nDealing with a panic attack\n\nTo ease a panic attack, or to prevent one from getting worse:\n\nbreathe as slowly and as deeply as you can. Concentrate on breathing. \nbreathe into a paper bag. By doing this you re-breathe your own carbon dioxide. This helps to correct the blood acid level that had been upset by over-breathing which makes symptoms worse (described above).\nWhat is the treatment for a panic attack?\n\nNo regular treatment is needed if you have just an occasional panic attack. You may find it helpful to:\n\nunderstand about panic attacks, and the cause of the symptoms. \nknow that any physical symptoms which occur do not mean that you have a serious disease. For example, some people find it helpful to know that the palpitations or chest pains they had during a panic attack were not due to a heart or chest problem. \nknow how to deal with a panic attack (see above).\nIf you have frequent or recurring panic attacks, this is called panic disorder. Treatment to prevent panic attacks is an option if you develop panic disorder. See a separate leaflet called 'Panic Disorder'.
1157661
It could possibly a panic attack.  Does it usually happen during a stressful time at work or something?  Many of those sypmtoms are consistant with people who have panic disorders. I suggest going to an anxiety disorders website, and maybe even looking into medication.  Another symptom is worrying about it for at least a week after one happens.  Also, the thing about night is it allows your mind to relax, meaning stressful thoughts get through more easily.  I hope this helps you.\n\nJust so you know, it happens to often for it to be a heart attack.  He would probably be dead right now if it were.  However, that doesn't rule out a heart problem.  You should probably go see a doctor.  I just thought I would reinforce what the other responders were saying.  I really think there is a good chance of it being a panic attack.  I have a lot of experience with them.  Also ask him if he feels he is in danger of dying during the episodes, and if he has every struggled with anxiety  \n\nwww.adaa.org is a good webite to check his sypmtoms against those of panic disorder.\n\nI really hopes this helps you.
774069
Christine, first you must know what is the root cause of your anxiety/panic attacks.   I agree with you that drugs will only mask the root cause and will not resolve the root cause that is still inside of you.    \n\nThere is what is know as "anticipatory", reaction to anxiety.   When you feel an anxiety attack coming on you must do everything in your power to not allow the cause of the anxiety to take over your entire body.  If this happens then you will have a full blown panic attack.   \n\nWhen you feel anxious or a panic attack coming on, your very first action is to try and think of someting beautlful, or do Yoga breathing exercise.. (Just breath through your nose, taking in as much air as you can hold).  Don't allow the the stomach muscles to force the air out.  You want to control the air by letting it out as slow as possible through your mouth.   \n\nPractice this Yoga breathing exercise at home, so that you will get in the habit of doing it right.  (Usualy two or three max., taking in all the air you can through your nose & letting it out very slow through your mouth will make you feel very relaxed.  \n\nI do it myself.  An it works 100%.    \n\nA phobia of any kind, requires behavior modification, reality therapy or hypnosis.  (If say you have been through therapy an it is obvious it did not work for you).   \n\nYou must be conditioning your mind, with your social phobia, becasue you say that is getting better.  (This means that you must be exposing yourself little by little with being around people.\n\nNow you will have to try and find out why your panic attacks are increasing.  As soon as you feel a panic attack coming on look around yourself, or think of what it is that is own your mind at that monent..  (Perhaps what is around you or what is on your mind at that given moment may be the cause of the panic attack).  \n\nThen if you find the cause, you will need to find an alternative solution to resolve the problem.  This is what I do for my patients.   I find out the root cause an I never tell them what they must do.  I provide them with many alternative solutions and they must pick which one is best for them.  If they ask me about the choice, I can tell them what is the light at the end of the tunnel.\n\nWish you all the best, as panic attacks are no fun.  Plus I am proud of you that you will not let any psychiatrist put you on a controlled substance like Aprazolam, Tafil or Xanax. (All the same drug).  Names depends on what country you reside in.\n\nClinical Psychiatrist, France\n\nExcuse my english
67167
It actually sounds like you may be having generalized anxiety accompanied by panic attacks.  I'd see a doctor.
462062
I have had this many times and it sounds like an anxiety attack. You become so afraid that you start breathing fast and hyperventilate. I was told to hold my breath and count to ten, after i had slowed my breathing down I didn't feel dizzy any more. I thought I was going to die when this started happening  to me and it seemed to get worse each time. When I realized I could control it and it was me being afraid that caused the problem, it has not happened again for several years. I am not a doctor, but these same symptoms happened to me.
373284
Actually, it sounds like you're having anxiety attacks.  The symptoms of anxiety attacks often mimic heart attack symptoms and can, therefore, be really frightening.  It's sad that there's a doctor who doesn't seem to take you seriously and who makes you feel like you're just imagining your symptoms.  My advice is to find another doctor and specifically ask about anxiety.  There are medications that can help.
519539
I have never heard of this happening...I think that the worst case scenario would be that your brain wouldn't get enough oxygen and you could die...though I guess it may be possible if a person were rescusitated that they could have suffered some brain damage that leaves them paralized.  I have heard of people having tingling in their arms and legs when they are having an asthma attack though.