Questions About Panic Attacks

[Overcoming]

I've suffered panic attacks off and on over the years and one aspect that seems to get me the most is the feeling of fainting. My face gets cold, I can feel myself fading. My hands tingle like my circulation has been constricted. And I'm just sure I'm dying. I have never completely lost consciousness and I've been told that it's not possible. Is it true that panic attacks can't induce fainting?

***TMI warning***
I had an episode last night when I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep. I suddenly had the urge to run into the bathroom, unsure if I'd throw up or needed to use the toilet. Terrible stomach pain kicked in and at the same time I felt the familiar lightheadedness of the panic. Ice cold inside my chest and arms. I was sure I was going to pass out, but was stuck between explosive need to use the toilet and desperately wanting to lay on the floor and curl up. I knew I couldn't lay on the floor and mess myself. So I struggled through, praying and trying to breathe It was awful! Has anyone else experienced something like this? It was terrifying!

 

[Cannottakethis]

My stomach and anxiety go hand in hand. I have spent many anxiety attacks sitting on the toilet sweating, doubled over, thinking I might pass out. Even after a full on panic attack is over, the residual effects tend to hit my belly with a "nervous stomach" reaction. If possible I try to ground myself with cold water on my wrists, hands, face which helps the panic to subside and my belly to calm down. Cold compress on my face or back of the neck helps too.

 

[survivor0616]

I've suffered panic attacks off and on over the years and one aspect that seems to get me the most is th...

I think it is quite common. You are not alone. That happens to me from time to time, exactly as you describe--however, I've never fainted, either. I think it's from lack of oxygen due to holding one's breath.

 

[Llith]

I feel like I am fainting/passing out of it is a bad one. Normal ones I have got quite good at handling and just deep breathing, but yeh, if one takes me by surprise I think through hyperventilating I just don't get enough air. I don't even realise I am doing it most of the time as well.

I think you could pass out if you deny yourself enough air, but I have never managed it so I would say you are finw.

 

[holdenmonty]

For me when I have a panic attack it feels like I'm having a heart attack or something. I can feel my heart beating inside my chest, I have shortness of breath, I get feeling pretty warm, and start sweating a lot more than usual. I remember the first time I called the nurses help line and explained to them what was going on because I was afraid I might need to go to the ER but they said it sounds like a panic attack and that the feeling should subside but if it doesn't subside in 10 to 15 minutes to go to the ER but it went away about 10 minutes after it started. Luckily I haven't had any really bad ones in a while but have I guess what you would call mild ones here and there. For me the mild ones are that I can feel my heart beating inside my chest, shortness of breath, and my hands get a bit more sweaty then usual.