stopping an episode

i sometimes feel like im about to have an attack my heart starts pounding chest starts hurting fear sets in and then i think just focus on something so in my head i will start reciting my abc's over and over all while im layimg under the fan if it gets to the point that i need the fan and my symptoms go away is it possible that i was about to have a full blown panic attack and i stopped it i just wanna know does that ever happen to anyone else thanks

[nursegirl6572]

Sure sounds like you were on the verge of having a panic attack.  The wonderful news is you've found a way to head them off at the pass!  Most of us spend half our lives trying a million different things to stop a panic attack, most which don't work unfortunately.

If this is the first time you've experienced panic or anxiety, I would recommend going to the doctor and having a thorough physical, to rule out any medical causes.  There are several quite common maladies (thyroid disorder, diabetes, mitral valve prolapse, etc) that mimic the symptoms of panic and anxiety. It's best to rule those out first, then you can start tackling the anxiety itself.  There are many different treatment regimens, but therapy is always a must.  When I recommend therapy, it isn't always b/c someone has deeply rooted issues that they need to lie on a couch exploring, but for the simple fact that a therapist familiar with anxiety and panic will be able to arm you with coping techniques in addition to exploring whether or not there is a "reason" for the onset of the anxiety.  A certain kind of therapy, "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy", or "CBT" has been very successful for many struggling with panic and anxiety.

There are also some great books out there that I would recommend to anyone experiencing anxiety.  One, "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" is an excellent tool for both educating oneself about anxiety, in addition to having different exercises that gets to the meat of it for each individual person. Anxiety affects us all a bit differently, but as a rule, once it starts affecting our daily lives, or becomes a constant source of worry...it's time to seek help...and the sooner the better.

Lastly, continue what you're doing to help ward off the symptoms. You're one up on a lot of us in that you have found a technique that works for you so early in the game...something that seems to stop the attack in its tracks.

Best of lcuk...be sure to let us know how you're doing!  Take Care!

[greenlydia]

Boy, do I ever wish I could stop a panic attack simply by reciting the ABC's and laying by a fan!
I am totally in awe of your abilities. Seriously.
Peace
Greenlydia