Panic, Adrenaline, & Coping

[falling_wave]

I've picked up on a couple of things recently that I would like your insights and ideas on. First off we all know that panic brings an adrenaline rush. I personally feel that all the time.

It presents in different ways for most people and even different in situations with the same person. My most common symptoms of an adrenaline panic response at first is a rising/tight feeling (if that even makes sense), then I feel really uncomfortable in my own skin mostly around my shoulders and chest and clothes are uncomfortable. I just feel like I need to move and fast. It's scary and can cause me anxiety that makes it all work. Anxiety about anxiety if you can imagine. Lol

I've found that actually combating adrenaline with adrenaline helps for some odd reason. I think it overpowers the sensation. I've found it really helpful for me as soon as I get that feeling to get outside and run even for just a block. If I can get to a park I can swing really high on a swing or go on a roller coaster. If I'm in the car I'll open windows and play loud music. I feel like it causes me to be a risk taker when the panic comes but these things work and are needed.

Has anyone else felt this? If so what intense physical/adrenaline inducing things help to make that panic go down. Really looking forward to your replies.

 

[Chava]

I've found that actually combating adrenaline with adrenaline helps for some odd reason. I think it overpowers the sensation. I've found it really helpful for me as soon as I get that feeling to get outside and run even for just a block.

This actually makes a lot of sense. By running, you aren't increasing your adrenaline, you are simply using up the gush of adrenaline that is there. It's sitting still with it that makes me feel sick. Physiologically, adrenaline is all about preparing us for fight or flight. If you don't use up the energy, the adrenaline can feel very icky. But, I know I've gone from a little antsy to really amped up through frenzied activity, so I try to avoid that now. If I'm having a true panic though, and a gush of adrenaline (had this just this morning), I still mistake it for being really sick and like I need to lay down and get it together...but actually I need to get up, move, push against something (instead of running I discharge this adrenaline dump better through pushing or resistance/strength stuff). This helps a lot if I've dipped into dizziness or heart arrhythmia...I never increase my heart rate, but I use up a lot of my big muscle strength. Sometimes I've even sat in the garage trying to tip my car over by pushing against it. Hasn't happened yet :) but it's really helpful for me...takes that sickening gush of adrenaline down pretty quickly to a manageable level.

I also have to open the windows if I'm feeling a bit of panic in the car. And I blow the AC full blast at my face. I used to perform a lot (violin) and if I'd feel that on stage, I'd actually make myself feel like I was playing something harder than I was at the time....all the energy just needs an outlet. But sometimes I also need to cool down with it too, like the AC blast or drink cold water, or take a layer or shoes off. Anyway, my understanding of it is that it's not about amping up the adrenaline so much as it's about taking what is already there and letting it run its course by doing a fight/flight sort of higher intensity thing that lets the nervous system do its thing before settling again.

 

[falling_wave]

@Chava thanks for your reply. That makes a lot of sense. It's not increasing it it's letting it out. I'll try some of the resistance stuff too. It might be easier to do that during times I can't just get outside and run. Today for the first time I took ativan before going to work. I hate doing that. I usually only take it at home during a panic attack. I just can't get out of the panic restless feeling in my chest that no one can see but is very distressing to me. It helped a ton but don't want to rely on it or drive much on it. I made sure it was a small enough dose I wouldn't be impaired.

 

[Chava]

My doctor won't give me benzos (I'd eat them like candy) so I've had to work this out without meds. It's possible but it's really uncomfortable sometimes because I have a few different versions of panic. The really sick feeling is usually (I assume) a gush of adrenaline and pushing against big heavy furniture with my legs, resistance bands, stuff like that seems to help. Has settled heart arrhythmia that can come with my panic too.

I think great if you have a med that helps, but also that you are working on more natural ways to settle panic. I'm super addictive, so it's helps me actually feel more in control if I can regulate on my own through tricky times vs need a pill for it. Lately I'm getting drunk to deal with rage, but that's a different story. Basically I don't have it all figured out, but I do have fewer panic attacks I think because I catch that energy more quickly and do something with it.

 

[falling_wave]

Good for you for handling it naturally! That's always my goal!