Panic attack in dreams then waking up to anxiety

[Iyllsa]

I'm really not enjoying this new found anxiety sensations. Although the other is not pleasant either and it does cause stress about going outside.. at least it's familiar to me. This new possible anxiety attack has been on my mind. I can't help but walk around thinking, "What if it happens here. What if I'm talking to a client, around other people, driving, etc. Where should I go to in case it happens? Should I bother calling if I can't hear them? Will I be coherent? Will I forget something.." etc.

Before my only worry would be that I'd get the choking/smothering sensation, but I can easily identify that as anxiety and at least I have all of my senses. Sometimes magnified, but I can hear and see well enough to leave and act calmly. The ones where I become super paranoid are more predictable. I'd feel it first thing in the morning and just not go out or limit my outings..

I'm not sure how to handle this new attack because I feel really disabled. I can barely move, can't see well, or hear. Like all of my senses are pulled out from me. Do you guys have any suggestions...? I'm really hoping I'll be able to further my treatment soon.

 

[Pjj]

I empathise, I had nightmares last night of people stabbing people, I know it is just the world at the moment but it caused me flashbacks. So coffee at 2.30a.m. And I resisted going to this site as fluorescence from computers and phones can interfere with sleep. The thought that sent me to sleep was actually knowing I can write what I just wrote and be understood and not judged and I looked forward to seeing if there were responses to my replies when I woke up

From a military view point don't stress about stressing, trust your body. What is the worst that can happen, that you stop and rest. I know that sounds easy as in my mind I would be thinking that people would see me and think that I am crazy but what they actually see is someone sitting on a bench. Trust the sisterhood (even though I am male), if they saw you in distress people would stop and ask if u r ok.

It happened the other day walking in a busy part of Sydney, s lady was walking up the street crying and I saw complete strangers ask her if she was Ok and accompanied her for awhil whilst she walked in tears.

For me though, knowing just briefly how strong you are, trust your body to react as it should outside

Warm Regards

 

[joeylittle]

I'm not sure how to handle this new attack because I feel really disabled. I can barely move, can't see well, or hear. Like all of my senses are pulled out from me. Do you guys have any suggestions...

There is no reason to assume it has anything to do with anxiety.

You mentioned two occurrences. One after exercise, and the other after waking up from sleep study.

Dehydration: pretty common.
Low blood sugar: also pretty common
Vasovagal syncope: common, multiple causes.

And the sleep study event - you had taken a sleeping pill but it didn't really work, correct? If it's something you had never taken before, it's entirely likely that you were just druggy.

Always eliminate the obvious physical causes before attributing things to more subtle mental health problems.

 

[Iyllsa]

There is no reason to assume it has anything to do with anxiety.

You mentioned two occurrences. On...

You're probably right. I went in with an empty stomach, I think, and took Ambien I believe. Or at least that's the pill my primary was suggesting that I take. I didn't know that the side effects would have hit when I was sitting down because I felt fine when I woke up and walked over to the chair. It was near the end when all of the stuff was off me(assuming so because when I came back from the restroom she was done) that I started to get those sensations.. Can ambien cause a short, negative sensation?

Also, I'm already restless at night time, but the pill made me feel like I took 2-3 NyQuils or AdvilPM. I'm sure if it was any stronger the nurse would be having to tie me down haha. The restlessness makes me get up and move around which is not an option in the study.. and I wouldn't remember the actions. I'd only "discover" myself in places such as different areas of the room or house.. or holding a banana. I don't even like bananas!

 

[ChronoAngel]

I had sleep apnea, I had surgery to help correct it. My panic attacks didn't stop, but the waking up gasping for air did. I wish you luck.

 

[Iyllsa]

It turns out I have central apnea and possibly light obstruction as well...? I'm waiting for the consultation, but the way central apnea works makes sense with what I experience at night. It causes people to first hyperventilate, then stop, and eventually breathe again. (according to what I've researched) and if I recall what I feel like when I have sleep paralysis, it'll feel like I can't breathe sometimes. As if I'm slowly exhaling, but unable to inhale until finally I gasp awake. Other times, which is more common, I'm paralyzed and breathing quickly until I can finally wake up and gasp for air.

I didn't realize how many times I "woke up" in the middle of the night. According to the study, my heart rate would increase and go up to 110+ or so at the highest even while asleep and I only entered the very last stage of sleep(forgetting which one) maybe once or twice throughout the night for a short period of time while most of the night I would sort of.. tread on the lighter stages.