Panic Attack?

I have recently had several "attacks" that I believe were panic attacks but am not completely sure.  While driving I have suddenly gotten symptoms of shortness of breath, heart pounding, numbness and tingling in my hands and face which eventually causes my hands to "lock up".  I go through an overall feeling that I cannot breathe and and catch my breath.  This most often occurs when driving over a bridge or place that I cannot simply pull off of the road and has gotten to the point where I am afraid to drive alone across any bridge.  I have also had one attack that woke me up in my sleep.  I am a 28 year old female in otherwise good health who has recently been going through several stressful things in my life such as a mother who has been dianosed with breast cancer, a sister who was raped, and  job stresses.  Does it sound like this is a Panic Disorder or something worse?  In each attack I have wanted to take myself to the hospital but then the attack fairly quickly cleared up.  Any advice on what to do next?

[MrGreen]

Sounds like a panic attack. The body / mind senses danger and blood rushes to parts of the body where it is needed most. Thus causing the symptoms you described. Stresses can trigger panic off. You might need some light medication / theraphy. Theraphy alone might do the trick for you. But getting help early is important. The longer we let it set in the more it takes control. A visit to your doctor would be a great next step. Well done for writing about it. That was step 1.

[kalie1979]

have u been to the doctor yet, i am not saying somethings wrong, because most likley its just anxiety and there are medications that can help u.  good luck  :-)

kalie

[ayshestes]

definitely anxiety. i get that doing over bridges too. sometimes just having a bunch of things building up in your mind, without you even realizing all thats in your head, can cause anxiety attacks. Im only 17 and i know what your going through. It helps to stay focused on the road, and take deep breaths even though it feels like you cant.Its easier said then done, but the extra oxygen calms you down quicker, making the symtoms (symptoms) subside quicker. Sometimes just talking to other people about having anxiety, or trying to laugh it off helps. Another way is to recognize that the symptoms are anxiety, and not get freaked out by them. The more you think about the symptoms, the worse you get. That helped me, i hope it will do the same for you. I hope everything turns out well! keep us posted!

[aheart]

First comes anxiety, then comes avoidance anxiety,Your bridge incidence sounds like you are working up towards avoidance anxiety. What ever you do, DO NOT AVOID places where you have experinced this. Work your way thru them and it will get better. Realize that is just a bodily responds to danger, and it will go away, it did for me anyway. You've got to show the anxiety who's boss! Good luck and God bless aheart