Did I have a panic attack?

Question

My sister and I heard something outside and we became really scared. My heart started to race and my hearing was going, making my eyes feeling strained (I wear glasses) and I suddenly lost my balance and became very hot and could barely hear anything.

I felt sick so to get myself to cool down I stripped off and my sister got me a drink and I stopped feeling sick. Did I have a panic attack?

Answer 1

Yes you did, and you were probably on the verge of passing out because your hearing loss, eye strain and dizziness.

Answer 2

It was definitely a rush of adrenaline, which is the cause of a panic attack, also.  If you don't have a panic or anxiety disorder and this only happened once, I'd say it was just a sudden adrenaline rush.

Answer 3

No You did not have a panic attack- my sister and i have both had them and you start and breathing very heavy and our hands got stuck together and we couldnt move them- but they happen for no reason not b/c you get scared.

Answer 4

you might of had a hot flash or got dehydrated. also not eating enough could have done it. my mom had something like that happen not too long ago.

Answer 5

No.

You had a scardy cat attack..  

Toughen up, girl - its a tough world out there

Answer 6

Well, it may very well have been a panic attack or it may have been just a 'normal' fear reaction. It seems a bit more severe than some, but still within the realm of one.  If there was (or even if you just thought there was) an intruder, then your body reacted to that fear.  You are SUPPOSED to feel fear when you are in danger!  It's OK and nothing to be ashamed of.

  I know it was scary, but in a way, fear does help to protect us by warning us that something is not "right".  There is a great book, titled "The Gift Of Fear" that explains why, in many circumstances fear is a very good reaction to have and that we (especially women) should honor it.

  Having said that, if you have another "attack" like that, you may have an anxiety disorder which you would need to have a doctor check.

  Also, please be certain you know what to do in the event of another intruder, have 911 programmed into your phone and do not hesitate to call - even if you are not certain there is anyone out there - it's a cliche but it IS better to be safe than sorry.  If at all possible, could you have some sort of alarm system put in or, if you have the time and money for proper care, how about having a dog there with you.

  I am just concerned that you actually had an intruder...

Answer 7

yeah, possibly...some people are prone to them - especially when they're often tired and/or stressed for long periods.

so if you were stressing about something else as well - And had been up all night until 2AM - yeah, thats when you'll get one

Answer 8

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And most importantly, I am here to help you because I know how it feels to have anxiety or panic attacks.

Don't worry, your reaction is normal.  Our mind tend to exaggerate things alot.  That is why your anxiety develops to a panic-attack.

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All the best,

Seng

Answer 9

Yea it sounds like it was a panic attack, my boyfriend gets those.

Answer 10

That sounds like a full-fledged panic attack!  Chill out!  I would have had a panic attack too.  That must have been scary.

Answer 11

im really not sure...this happened twice to me b4 and im going to mention it to my doctor the next time i c him which wont b that long from now. like the EXACT same thing happened. and wats really strange is that it happened after i got out of the shower. i felt better 2 after my sister gave me a drink but i got so overheated that i started crying.