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Did I experience a panic attack?

Did I experience a panic attack?

Hi, This will be my first experience with any mental health support.

A few weeks ago, I may have experienced my first "panic attack." I don't want to diagnose myself, but I was struggling to breathe and needed to force myself to do heavy breathing for maybe 30 minutes to one hour. I was crying as well.

For some reason, I tried to remember how I felt during that time today, and suddenly I started to experience the same "panic attack" again. I don't know who to ask whether I should see a proper doctor to diagnose me.

For context, I'm a very emotional person and cry all the time. Was I just very upset and overly emotional at that time?

5 replies

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In response to: Did I experience a panic attack?

Re: Did I experience a panic attack?

@hello_there98 your GP is the first point of call

Maybe if that doesn't suit you, one of the government drop in centres (Mental Health & Wellbeing Locals in Victoria or Medicare Mental Health federally) might help too. Even the Medicare Mental Health Check In phone line can probably guide you (Most likely to your GP). But those are all options in the 2020s

In response to: Did I experience a panic attack?

Re: Did I experience a panic attack?

@hello_there98

Hi and welcome, I’m really glad you found the courage to share this. It can feel very daunting and scary to reach out, even on a forum like this, so you’ve already taken a really important step. Please know that you’re not alone, we’re here for you.

While I’m not a doctor, I can only relate from my own experience that panic attacks can feel incredibly intense. Panic attacks can also come with physical symptoms like trembling, PNES (Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures), shaking, nausea, a fast heartbeat, and/or dizziness, as well as severe emotional distress. It can feel really frightening, so I don’t think you’re overreacting at all, what you described does sound a lot like a panic attack.

When it comes to reaching out for support, it might be helpful to speak with a mental health professional. If you have access to a local GP, that can be a really good place to start. They can help talk things through with you and, if you’d like, refer you to other support options such as a therapist or mental health services. Sometimes having that extra support can make a big difference, I'm sure others here on sane can also share some helpful suggestions and resources. Beyond Blue also has a really helpful chat and helpline for support and suggestions. I also think sane also have a helpline and a chat? I haven't used it myself but I'm pretty sure it's there as well if needed.

Please be kind to yourself, you deserve care and support. Sending a big hug.💛




In response to: Did I experience a panic attack?

Re: Did I experience a panic attack?

Panic attacks are not good I get them they wake me up heart racing and sweating I have had them for years I have to get up and walk around for a bit when really bad cold air helps as well and back ground noise helps as well, would go see the doctor thought they should help

In response to: Re: Did I experience a panic attack?

Re: Did I experience a panic attack?

Sounds tough @Nw . For me, I found practicing mindful breathing regularly really helped when it came to panic attacks.

The point about cold air is a great one too!

In response to: Did I experience a panic attack?

Re: Did I experience a panic attack?

Hello there @hello_there98 ,

Trust your instincts, talk to your doctor.

Seeking mental health advice from the get go shows great awareness and courage.

Thank you for sharing.

I get the sense that you are very aware and honest. Don't ever lose that, once you put the hours of work in and start to take control of it. Those attributes will become a super power rather then the burden they appear to be at present.

I won't say good luck because that is redundant. Take care and be well.

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