Ive always been a semi-nervous person but lately, it's become too much. I never really thought to put a title on what I feel (panic attacks etc) but a few weeks ago I went into a school to see about attending. Midway through the meeting I started to grow extremely agitated and dizzy, cotton mouth, etc. I felt like a zombie. I couldn't wait to get out of there (the 80,000 for my bachelor's degree probably didn't help)

As soon as I was out the door, I ran into a little coffee shop and downed 2 cups of water. I was sick to my stomach, it felt like pain but for no reason, couldn't think straight, just wanted to lay down and not move. This lasted almost 24 hours.

About 2 weeks later, I was heading to the airport to pick someone up and my boyfriend was driving. It started raining and people started driving like morons and slamming on the brakes. We almost hit the car in front of us and that is when it started. Again. This time I didn't have dry mouth but more like I was getting really agitated for no reason that I could see. I took some Ativan and about 20 minutes later I felt better. It was almost like instant relief.

I cant really describe in great detail how I felt during either of these times so its hard for me to get this across.

I'm wondering if these were panic attacks of some sort. Anyone with some real experience with these, please, let me know. And if they weren't, then what the heck was my mind doing to my body?

Thanks in advance.

Xanaduu I believe that you were having a panic attack. I've had MANY and although my experiences were slightly different, I think they are panic attacks all the same. When I have mine, I get high blood pressure, rapid pulse, chest pains, tightness in my chest, dizzy, and tingly all over due to the rapid pulse. Of course knowing now what they are haven't really made them any better. They are few and far between now, but sometimes I can control them and sometimes they just have to run their course. HTH

I think a panic attack manifests itself in people different ways. I can always tell when one is about to start because my neck starts to tingle.
From there is the more classic symptoms. Chest would start to hurt...and then it comes! A SUPER fast heartbeat. Faster than after I work out as hard as I can. So fast I swear it's going to explode! Just bang bang bang bang bang bang bang bang!
Without medication I am completely shut down. I would lay down, and approximately 40minutes later it would subside...for that round.
Oddly enough, mine have always seem to come after I eat something. Weird huh? I refused to believe it was anxiety attacks because of this connection, but all tests never showed a connection.
Sounds like you may just have different symptoms, or a different form of some anxious reaction. I'm no doc so I suppose it's tough to say. I'm sure some others may be able to draw a better conclusion.

Agreed. Everybody has different symptoms, but most anybody will have the raising of the BP and heart pumping hard and fast. I have had many of them. The best thing to do is try to find a place to lay down flat and elevate your legs. This will put the blood flowing back into your head. Never put your head between your legs (Like you see on TV). You will just end up passing out. If you are in a place that you can't get where you can lay down, then tilt your head backwards. I've learned to know the feeling before it comes on all the way and try not to panic. It will make it worse. Some people even put their arms up over their shoulders when they are laying down. Believe me, it works. After you feel better, get out and get some fresh air. You will need the oxygen. Just breath regularly. Deep breaths and slow. Hope this helps. It has really helped me. Been on xanax for 18 years, but there are still set backs and get to know the feeling of one coming on. Also, do anything you can to not think about your heart pumping rapidly. I always tell myself, "It's just another panic attack over and over.
Hope this helps. But yes they are scary, but you need to get control of it before it gets complete control of you. You can easily go from a panic attack into hyperventilating and you never want to go there. The mind does mysterious things, but you can control it.

I'm noticing panic attacks and social anxiety in myself a lot more lately. I knew I had anxiety issues, but recently I had a freak out at a birthday party. I just had to get out of there. It was the oddest feeling to realize I might have a social anxiety thing going. I was just so panicked about leaving. We had to leave early, it was kinda sad.

Tiades, What did you feel like? Can you remember? When I first started having them years ago, I didn't know what it was. I actually ended up passing out in a church of all places. Hoe embarrassing. Maybe I can help you on controlling it. Give me the first signs that something wasn't right and go from there.

Taz

Taz thanks so much for the info about laying back with your legs up. I am going to try that next time for sure

We were among the first to arrive. At that point I knew pretty much everyone. Then more and more people started to arrive and I started to get edgy. We were outside in a rural area but I still felt claustophobic. I also have a knack for 'reading' people and I was getting so much 'information' bombarding me that it was making me more and more tense. You can PM me for more info, but I don't want to share the specifics here cuz I don't want any eyebrows raised! LOL!

Anyway, I started feeling nauseated, refused to eat (the food wasn't all that great) and we were the 1st to leave, even before the cake. I did feel a bit uneasy from the beginning because it was a party for a teen from church, and the parents no longer attend our church but their kids do. Anyway, that's all I can think of.

Being outside most likely helped you out a lot. If you were inside the church the whole time, it could have been worse. My stomach never bothered me though unless your talking about a cramped stomach. That would definitely be nerves. If your mind was reeling like you said, than yes that is the start of it. Feeling closed in is another. If I can't get away, sometimes a cold rag on you face and neck will help. heck I passed out at Six Flags waiting in line to go on a water ride. Dind't have anywhere to go. I woke up and people were standing around me and I had all kinds of wet handkerchiefs on my face and neck. I guess the men in line dipped theirs into the water ride when I was out. Another embarrassing moment. Believe it or not, I felt great afterwards. I kept on going the rest of the day until night time. Felt like a good nights sleep when it was only a few minutes. OK I'm done yacking.

Taz

No, that's great help TAZ!

Thanks for the replies. Since then I haven't had another one that I recall, I never put two and two together until that day. I kind of just think I'm just being a freak or that I don't know how to handle certain situations. I've passed out a few times before from being in crowds, I wonder how that is related?