Hyperventilation or Anxiety or Both?

[tspa22]

Hi All,
I am a 17 year old female trying to figure out what exactly the problem is. A little less than two years ago I went on a carnival ride that spins around, twists and turns etc. and I have mild motion sickness, but nothing serious. When I got off the ride I began to get very intense cramping in my hands, legs, eventually my stomach and entire body. My muscles locked in my hands especially. I went to the hospital but no one really told me what it was or what to do about it and it didn't happen for quite some time afterwards. Ever since I've had a conscious anxiety about rides and I recently went on a trip and on an airplane. I was consciously thinking about it and caused myself to get these painful cramps and they had to land the plane. I don't know what to do about them or how to prevent them. I think it may be hyperventilation but if so what can I do for myself to prevent this as I have a very strong desire to keep traveling.  

[mjbrown]

it sounds like you may be experiencing panic attacks. have you spoken to your doctor about these symptoms? panic attacks can be treated effectively with therapy, medication, or both.

[cj29]

Anxiety can come from when we are reminded from traumatic events in my experience.  It can be very debilitating or just some mild nervousness.  Learning about this cycle of thinking is an effective way to confront it in my opinion.  Talk therapy did wonders for me and actually allowed me to thrive with this.  Everyone is different, but in my opinion there is a systematic approach to this and with the knowledge comes the power to beat it...keep us posted!