• We are a multilingual website again. Read the notice about this.
  • Understand AI use at MyPTSD: all AI use is explained in our AI help page. AI use is by choice here. It exists if you want it, but does nothing unless you choose to use it.

Does Anyone Have Panic Attacks But Doesn't Know What It Is About?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Justmehere

Sponsor
I have had PTSD for quite some time now, and when I feel panic, it's usually something in the present stirs up fears from the past. Even when I don't know what the trigger is, I can usually identify at least a present moment subject of the fear.

Right now, I am terrified, but I have no idea what I am terrified about. Not a clue. I don't have a specific fear stuck in my head. It's just blunt fear. I'm shaking and super jumpy and doing all I can to keep from hyperventilating.

I guess it's good my brain isn't directing the fear just any old place... but geez.
 
I seem to have gone into hypertension or hypervigilance zones before.
They seem to come from nowhere and don't always seem to have reason.
It borders on panic.
I have to find quiet places and settle out.
Usually I feel I can trace it to a lot going on in my mind or life at the moment, but not always.
I even wonder if it's something I ate? What causes it?

A nap and/or a quiet time really seems to bring me out of it - even if I have to crawl in bed under a heap of blankets and sweat it out.
Luckily they are rare. Phone a friend? Talk to someone, change your mental direction with a diversion till it passes?

But I agree. Something stirs up suppressed thoughts or memories. Can't always identify it. Sometimes a few days later I realize my mind has been preoccupied with something and it gets brought closer to the surface and gets worked on. Hope you're doing o.k. Glad you brought it up. Don't you have a dog? They are usually pretty receptive. They can help. They give good hugs. :)
 
I have had more of these lately, @Justmehere. Usually, I can readily identify the trigger, but not so much lately. It's maddening. It's all I can do to keep from hyperventilating, too. Keep doing what you're doing to prevent that.

Sending hugs, comfortable thoughts and vibes, blankets, decaf cocoa or tea. Gunner's here and sends your dog hugs.
 
Anxiety attacks tend to build up over time and have a trigger or stressor involved, while panic attacks are just the blunt fear seemingly without a reason and they are intense....either one you are having, I can totally relate and hope you know that it will pass soon and you will feel better, but until then, you have my full support. Just reply here or PM me if you need to talk more.

Wishing you healing, health and wellness,

Lionheart
 
Wish there was a magic answer to this. I have a constant undercurrent of anxiety. So, like you, it's hard for me to identify the source. I just have to take care of the physical part at the time. Lots of deep breathing .
Sometimes the source manifests and sometimes it is simply because I am too tired and pushing myself too hard.
Glad you shared. At least I know I'm not alone. Lots of hugs!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Donation drives

2026 Donation Goal

Goal
$1,800.00
Earned
$910.00
This donation drive ends in
0 hours, 0 minutes, 0 seconds
  50.6%

Trending content

Featured content

Back
Top Bottom