I had my first panic attack 2 weeks ago. I was at work (I work in a grocery store as a cashier due to me being a college student) and all of a sudden I got hit with Vertigo due to all of the repititive motions. I had never felt dizziness like that before so I began to have a panic attack. I started feelings light headed, both of my hands started to tingle, and my head hurt a bit.
I was put out of work by my doctor for about 4 days. Thankfully it was during a week that wasn't very work intesive and allowed me to actually have 8 days to rest because of normal off days.
I went back to work after that and I was fine. I have to now either bag or do the self check out register so I no longer have to do the motions. My problem at work was solved.
I went to my girlfriends house that day that I went back to work and she suprised me saying that we were going to go to the movies with her brother and his girlfriend. We went and halfway through the previews I got severe stomach pains and a headache because of not eating much that day (a pear) she wasn't very happy and I don't think she quite understood the situation so she started crying saying that we don't do anything together anymore because of my stomach issues (which has nothing to do with the panic attacks) but that stressed me out pretty bad. I asked her to take me to a subway so I could get something in my system. She started crying even harder while she was driving and I began to insist that she pull over so she wouldn't end up crashing her car and killing us both, but she refused and that stressed me out more! Low and behold when I got to the subway I couldn't move. I was having a full blown attack. I opened the door and began to walk, but feel to my knees in dizziness and what seemed like tunnel vision. I felt like I was about to pass out due to the hunger AND panic attack.

Long story short...Stress plays a big part in panic attacks.

I just found myself in the middle of panic attack, too, and mine was also at the movies! I went to go see that movie Vacancy, and I found myself really afraid. I mean, I watch suspenseful movies and horror films all the time, and I never get like this. I found myself not even looking at the screen, my heart still pounding from just the soundtrack. When I finally had to get up and go take a breather in the lobby, I realized I was having a full-blown panic attack. My friends were as surprised at my reaction as I was. In retrospect, I think I was dealing with some deeper issues. I think now my feelings were stemming from insecurities I was having in one of my close relationships. Because I wasn't dealing with that problem head-on, it was manifesting as unlocalized fear in another part of my life. Besides the issue of not eating, could it be that there is another, deeper situation that is causing all of this fear and worry?

It is true, Chris, that panic attacks often are related to stressful life transitions. There have also been ties drawn to a genetic predisposition. Far more intense than just feeling 'stressed out', panic attacks bring with them an array of very real physical symptoms, such as:

* racing heartbeat
* difficulty breathing, feeling as though you 'can't get enough air'
* terror that is almost paralyzing
* dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea
* trembling, sweating, shaking
* choking, chest pains
* hot flashes, or sudden chills
* tingling in fingers or toes ('pins and needles')
* fear that you're going to 'go crazy' or are about to die

Typically, panic attacks occur suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, evoking fear that is out of proportion to the situation; sometimes it is completely unrelated. Another key feature of panic attacks is their duration. Panic attacks usually last no longer than a few minutes, though an individual can experience multiple attacks that will span many hours. Also, panic attacks often have a snowballing effect. Individuals will induce a panic attack from worrying about having one.

If you find that you are experiencing chronic panic attacks (more than four in a six month period), it's probably a good idea to speak with a professional. Being diagnosed with a panic disorder is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, for those who are diagnosed, it can make life so much easier. Panic disorders are highly treatable.

Shane, I hope this information is helpful to you. Seek Wellness, and you will most definitely find it.

Dan Paul Roberts
Wellness Adviser
The 123 Feel Better Company

Shane, I am just wondering if your Mom and Dad were Rhonda and Billy ? I was a friend of Rhonda's and have some pictures of them both when they were first married. I live in Fort Worth TX, found this on google, your name and wondered if you were their son, Shane. If not please disregard.

slgdprsn@sbcglobal.net

I've had panic attacks before. At least I think that's what they were. They're mostly triggered by horror movies, so I've learned to stop watching those. They can also be random, but the random ones are very few and far between.
Mine always felt like the onset of a heart attack; chest pains, numbness in the left arm and racing heart beat. Heart attack has always been a huge fear of mine, since I'm so overweight.

The only thing that helps calm mine down is my mom. I call her on the phone and she'll talk in a calm voice about unrelated things and tell me about her day and that seems to do the trick most of the time.

I would suggest you ask that a person who's with you talk to you if you find yourself in that situation again. Just change the subject to one you know they can elaborate on; like how much they hate their boss or their dreams for the future.

I know, lame suggestion; but it worked for me.