Well That Was New...

[deleted]

I was in a craft store to buy a sketchbook when someone accidentally bumped into me and triggered me. I was able to make it out of the store and to my car before it really escalated into a full on panic attack. In the middle of the attack, a lady knocked on my window to ask if I was ok. I told her that I had PTSD, was having a panic attack, had taken my medication so I would be fine soon. But apparently after she left she called 911 because the next thing I knew an ambulance, fire truck, and police car pulled up in front of my car. I was so confused and scared. The paramedics opened my door and I started really panicking as my brain thought they were all there to hurt me. Then the paramedic tried to reassure me by putting his hand on my shoulder which was possibly the worst thing anyone could do at the time. I felt like both of my traumas were combined- the rape and the school shooting because of the police and ambulance presence. I was so so scared. It escalated into one of the worst panic attacks I have ever had. Then to top it all off, one of them got in the passenger side of my car to talk to me. I was curled up as tightly as possible into a little ball in the corner of my seat so paralyzed with fear that I couldn't move. At this point I was hyperventilatingbout of control and was getting that tingling in my limbs like before you pass out. In my mind I was surrounded by men who wanted to rape me (even though in the rational world that's ridiculous). Everywhere I looked there was another person ready to hurt me and I was so powerless. I fell into this half flashback half panic attack mode-which was quite a mental trip. That was hours ago and I'm still shaking like hell. Thankfully my mom was in the area and could bring my service dog over with her to pick me up so I didn't have to go to the hospital. It was such an awful experience. It started out as just a panic attack but turned into this awful awful thing.

And all I wanted to do was buy a damn sketchbook.

 

[Poofycat]

Wow! How terrifying! I can't believe that woman called 911. What a strange thing to do. I hope you can get some rest and regroup soon. :hug:

 

[BlueOrange]

Yikes!

Sounds like you were pretty successful in the face of extreme difficulty. You're clearly able to take care of yourself well enough that the situation didn't escalate further. Well done.

 

[Anarchy]

Having a bunch of cops jumping into the car would upset most people!

Can you soothe and distract for a while? something like playing with your dog or cuddling her?

I can't believe that woman called 911. What a strange thing to do.

Exactly, it's not as though "panic attack" sounds like "heart attack", but then I guess that 50% of the population only have a two digit IQ, and goodness only knows how many people get their ideas from watching TV dramas...

that the situation didn't escalate further.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who had that thought.

 

[CarolinaLynne]

Hi,

I have similar experiences. I never know when it's going to happen. Someone hits me the wrong way, and I feel that tingling in my limbs like I my skin is on fire.

I have been able to act mostly normal. I find I dissasociate from what is happening, almost becoming two people - one person is traumatised the other is "watching".

Strangely if I don't allow the symptoms to play themselves out, that is when the arguments increase. I become very argumentative.

Sorry you are going through this.

X

 

[Deleted member 28403]

Wow, stuff like that really worsens the situation.

I'm glad it didn't end as badly as it could for you, and that you managed to get out of it.
People don't know what to do, but want to feel like they've done something, but create more trouble.

Hugs, I hope you don't need to go through this again. :hug: