Did I have a panic attack?!
Question: This morning I woke up late, thought, "Oh no, it's Monday morning, my alarm clock didn't ring, and I have a physics test in an hour." I began to experience strong feelings of desperation, misery, and a desire to crawl into a corner and hide. There was a huge amount of pressure on my chest like a huge heavy weight, and it was difficult for me to breathe. I was also feeling waves of nausea and tightness and pain in my stomach. I kept having hot flashes, with blood rising to my face several times.
Was this a panic attack? If it was, do I need to get medication and what can I do next time to prevent this from happening? Thanks.
Answers: This morning I woke up late, thought, "Oh no, it's Monday morning, my alarm clock didn't ring, and I have a physics test in an hour." I began to experience strong feelings of desperation, misery, and a desire to crawl into a corner and hide. There was a huge amount of pressure on my chest like a huge heavy weight, and it was difficult for me to breathe. I was also feeling waves of nausea and tightness and pain in my stomach. I kept having hot flashes, with blood rising to my face several times.
Was this a panic attack? If it was, do I need to get medication and what can I do next time to prevent this from happening? Thanks.
Hi there, your symptoms definitely sound like that of a panic attack. It may be a one off, as you were in a stressful situation - running late/missed alarm, test etc. but if you suffer from anxiety and it continues, or you know you've been feeling anxious/stressed/down in mood, it may be a good idea to talk to your GP about it. It helps talking to someone, even a friend/family if you don't want to go directly to your GP.
The good thing is that you recognized the signs and you're willing to get advice if you need it.
It sounds like your circumstances this morning might have led to a panic attack, however if it happens again, I would see your GP anyway- always best to rule out any medical problem and not just blame it all on anxiety- and even if that is the case, it'll be a good thing to chat things through with someone.
how did u do on ur test?
Yes it was a case of a panic attack. You dont need to do anything for now but if this keeps happening like alot everyday you should go to the doctors to get you checked.