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Help! Panic attack in the night


18 years ago 0 8760 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Maggie, Don't be scared. It's not out of your control, you exerted control over it for a few days!! That's great progress! Ignore those thoughts. Use distractions, positive self-talk and deep breathing. You've got through doing your dishes, being stuck in a 4 foot ditch, you can get through this rough patch too! Danielle _______________________ The PC Support Team
18 years ago 0 112 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I'm pretty shook up right now. You see, I decided to really start trying to challenge my anxious thoughts and get on the way to actual recovery instead of just 'getting by' another day. So, yesterday I did just that and amazingly enough, I had no major attacks. The day was pretty good and I felt a bit more hopeful. Then it was time for bed, I felt funny about it because I knew I was tired but did not feel like it was bed time at all. I felt a bit bewildered I suppose. I landed up falling asleep fairly quickly, but then I was waking up non stop. I must have been SO anxiety ridden because I was waking up in terror. I tried to stay calm, but I couldn't shake the thought that it was something more than just panic. I thought I was going to start losing control for real this time- enter some type of psychosis, if you will. I got more scared because my dreams felt SO real, and when I woke up each time I felt extremely confused and unsettled. I know we as panic sufferers always say 'but it's different this time', but I really felt it was. Normally the next day, I can see I was simply panicked and anxiety-ridden, but not so much this morning. I don't know, I'm just feeling really scared right now because I have been experiencing some derealization lately and once in a while I just think it's something much worse. I just needed to vent a bit and ask for any advice or support. I'm really trying to get better, but am starting to feel like maybe a lot of this is out of my control after all. I mean, I worked SO hard to have a half decent day yesterday but then at night, I feel like it was all being undone- and by no fault of my own. I'm scared. Thanks for reading...
18 years ago 0 12 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Kelly, I have had several panic attacks at night with similar symptoms as you did. I too have been through a battery of tests to determine if these are caused by a physical problem and every thing checks out fine. Since I consider my home my "safe place"...these night attacks are most disconcerting. I try to challenge my anxious thoughts but when I'm dripping in sweat on what I consider a chilly night...all I can do is lay there and listen to my heart beat and wonder why. I feel your pain. Keep your head up, Laine
18 years ago 0 12 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Thanks Josie. I had an EKG and an Echo about 4 months ago. I have talked to my doctor about general chest soreness but have not had this sharp or intense of pain before. Unfortunately I have no insurance now and cannot go to the doctor. I talked to a friend who is a nurse and said that this is most likely because of my panic/anxiety since I have not had symptoms like this before I had panic/anxiety. I hope it's nothing serious. Thank you for writing :-)
18 years ago 0 12049 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Kelly, This can be common. We always suggest that you check with your doctor first to rule out anything medical. Take the time to read through the knowledge and use the program to help you with this step by step :) Keep Strong, Josie _______________________________ The Panic Center Support Team.
18 years ago 0 12 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Last night I had what I think was my first attack in my sleep. I awoke and was covered in sweat and shaking. My heart was beating so hard and fast it felt like I could hardly catch my breath. The worst part was this pain. It was in the center of my chest and seemed to radiate upwards. It felt like a knife was poking at me. I've had my fair share of chest paint but it wasn't as painful as this and in such a specific spot. I was somehow able to calm down and tell myself nothing is wrong with my heart and go back to sleep. Today I feel fine, except for a little headache. I am really concerned about the chest pain though. It was so intense. I really thought I was going to have a heart attack. I have read that heart attack pain feels like a ton of pressure on you, so I guess the pain I was having wasn't the same as that. I've had an EKG, echo, and wore a heart monitor and all results came back fine. Maybe I was imagining the pain or percieving it worse than it was since I was in a panic and half awake state? This has never happened to me before and is making me really nervous today. Has this happened to anyone else? Am I ok? Do I need to see a doctor? Thank you so much for reading.

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