Have I been having panic attacks?

Question

I was in a car accident recently. A really bad one. Now every time I get in a car I feel really nervous and dizzy. And sometimes I feel short of breath or like I can't catch my breath. Is it possible that these are panic attacks? How do I stop them?

Answer 1

Yes, those are panic attacks, a classic sign of post-trauma stress. You can't really stop them yourself unless you have a will of iron--so your best bet is to go see a mental health professional and get some therapy for the trauma-induced stress. It might take one or two sessions. There is also a non-drug way to stop these through hypnosis, if you can find a professional who is good.

Seek professional help one way or another. Don't live with these. There is no need to.

Answer 2

Yes it sounds like it. It would be worth going to see a doctor about it. Maybe they can help you or refer you to a counsellor. It seems like you're aware of it, and you know the cause of it, so hopefully they'll be able to help you.

Answer 3

I think this is paranoia ~ or it could be panic attacks.

not much difference, in those both options you feel nervous..

I had a bad trip from smoking marijuana and now I feel the same. When I go out I'm scared, etc.

And when I go to the park where I was that time I get awfully nervous and motionless and scared... :/

Answer 4

Sounds like it to me- i get them all the time- you need to see a psychiatrist- he will prescribe you zanex,adivan or valium more than likely.

Answer 5

See Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on pages 33 - 34, and examine the http://1-800-therapist.com/ website, and use the locators in sections 33 - 34, and section 1, and phone book, and/or various associations for psychiatrists and psychologists, to find the nearest one using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy).

If unable to afford it, or to locate one nearby, contact the county/local mental health agency: any therapy on offer may prove helpful, particularly if combined with appropriate medication. (The following is a variant of EMDR therapy, which has been used successfully for those people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insomnia, and anxiety: it is easily learned, quick to use, yet can be very effective.

It is easy to be dismissive of it, because it may seem a little strange, but is well worth trying, for at least a few weeks, to see how it effective it is in your case). First, sit comfortably, and take a deep breath. Then, without moving your head, move your eyes from the left, to the right, and back again, taking around a second to do so (say: "a thousand and one": this takes approximately a second).

Repeat this procedure (without the words, although you can count, subvocally if you like) 20 times. Then close your eyes and relax. Become aware of any tension or discomfort you feel. Then open your eyes, and take another deep breath, and repeat step one, closing your eyes, and relaxing afterwards, in the same manner. Then, repeat the procedure one last time.

Some people may find that this is all they need do: others find that they need 2 sessions in quick succession, but professional treatment is the best option, if you can access it. With practice, you may find that you can employ this technique with your eyes closed, thereby enabling a much wider window of opportunity to use in public, without attracting unwanted attention.

Professional EMDR is always much preferable, and Opester, (who gives it a glowing recommendation) a therapist with more than 20 years experience, and a former contributor, here, stated that it was one of only 2 disorders which can be completely cured.

Panic attack treatment is in section 8, at ezy build, but the best approach is to treat the cause, as well as the symptom.

Answer 6

That sounds like a panic attack (I suffer from them) from the traumatic event. You can see a mental health professional for medication but no matter what, do NOT avoid getting into the car. Exposure to positive experiences in the vehicle will help alleviate the symptoms. The longer you avoid being in the car, the worse it will get.

Try riding in the car with someone else driving and using a cd or music that you find particularly relaxing. After a few times, you'll probably find that you're not so stressed in the car.

Answer 7

It sure sounds like they are. The best solution is to get medication in the form of pills from your doctor. There seems to be many types of panic attacks and treatment vary but usually they are treated very well with certain pills that you will have to take and the panic attacks go away rather quickly.

Answer 8

yes, they are mild panic attacks.

hmmm... i really don't know how to stop panic attacks.

but maybe you should talk to your doctor.

xx,

Tayler

Answer 9

sounds like it.  You might have PTSD post tramatic stress disorder.  A doctor will be able to help with this.  Might statrt you on some meds while doing some behavioral stuff.

Answer 10

It sounds like a panic attack caused by fear. When bad things happen in certain situations, especially to us anxiety sufferers, we tend to avoid things like that instead of just deal with it. Feeling short of breath is one of the symptoms of anxiety/panic attacks. Obviously in todays world we can't avoid driving although when things like this happen it is very hard not to avoid it.. I have so many of my panic attacks in the shower. I get short of breath, weak legs, and start to cry every time. So I avoid showers, and take baths. I also get anxious when I am driving, especially by myself, which makes it hard for me to drive anywhere. I have a lot of fears and I guess I can't tell you how to stop them since I can't but I just wanted to say that you aren't alone.. Good luck!