think i'm having panic attacks

[chickenrye]

hi all. so this is probably a too-familiar story for everyone. i'm 25, just graduated from vet school, just signed a new job contract....and i think i've been having panic attacks. the first time it happened i swore i was having a heart attack. i thought i was going to die. i felt a weird sensation in my chest then my arm and then this feeling of doom just overcame me. i got really hot and felt like i was going to pass out. then i felt like i wasnt getting enough air. i sat down, didnt pass out, then got chills all over. it lasted like 10-15 minutes or so but i was so freaked out by it all. i mean, i dont live the best lifestyle or eat the healthiest foods, and i'm overweight. i was so sure i was going to die right then & there. after i finally got calmed down i was so tired, yawning constantly, and fell asleep. ive always been a worrywart, but those little freak out episodes i used to have would be brought on by something. this was out of the blue. the first one happened at the end of june....another last sunday....now another tonight. my new job starts next monday.  this all began right after i sent out resumes to vet clinics. i just need some support....someone to tell me i'm just having panic attacks, that i'm not dying of a heart attack. i'm so freaked out by these...so worried when the next one will happen....and scared to be alone, or away from my cell phone in case i had to call 911. aaaaah

[KOBISKING]

You've heard the saying, "it's better to be safe than sorry." If you are having a sharp pain in the chest area, and down your arm, then I would recommend that you go to the nearest emergency room for a check up. You could indeed just be experiencing a panic attack. Numerous people do misinterpret a PA for a Heart Attack.

You have alot of stress going on in your life, such as grief, newly graduate, and starting a new job. If you a sure that it is anxiety then begin by addressing your stressors, such as the grief, irrational thoughts, healthier lifestyle to address your stated weight issue/ eating habits. Also, it's ok to have some entertainment in your life (go out and have some fun, but remember to leave the books at home). Rest!

Chickenrye, therapy can be beneficial, also consider a psychiatric eval. I would also recommend that you attend a Grief Support Group.

[JSGeare]

Here's the deal:

Yeah, you do go to a doc to present your symptoms and run through the various tests to rule out some independent physical cause. We ALL do that.

But meanwhile, based on your very articulate narrative of what happened, it sounds like classic panic to me -the background to the story, the episode itself -everything!

Possibly it will recede as you become situated in your new work; but the fact that you've had it at all might indicate a consult with a psychiatrist is not a BAD idea. Do you treat ***** cats? I'll send my down for a check up.

[chickenrye]

Thanks for your help guys. My Dr. has me on Xanax right now (0.5 mg tablets) and I have been controlling things well with 1/2 tablet twice a day. The attacks have slowed down since I started my new job last week. But my dr is having me get some general bloodwork done too, so that I can stop spazzing about my heart. It's so weird. When the attacks happen they are so real and horrible, then later I can't believe how irrational I was and thought that I was dying.  Does anyone get the chest discomfort at times other than during attacks?  Like just randomly during the day, as if maybe you might have an attack starting, but then somehow you dodge it and it goes away?

[cj29]

I have to agree with JS...go it checked out, but I bet you are going to be fine medically.  Panic often sets in your 20's and can be very confusing and frustrating.  But, it is VERY manageable to overcome with patience, understanding, and hard work.  Understanding begins at learning why you are feeling the way you do; go ahead and confront this and talk this over with a therapist.  In my opinion, you will be amazed how much understanding this can really help you deal with it...keep us posted!