Out of nowhere, while driving home I started getting cheat tightness on my right side. That followed with this sensation of loghtheadedness- as if I was leaving my body- I know that sounds strange but I'm not sure how to explain it. As if I was falling backwards from my body. - Then all over my body I had the sensation as if I was falling suddenly or was scared, that really quick "I need to catch myself " feeling- pins needles and weakness. I guess it's symptomatic of a panic attack, but I… read more
Yes, had it, have it at times, it is "normal" : )
Even if you do not feel stressed out, positive excitement can also cause similar symptoms as stress, and the body may miss-register the physical symptoms of positive excitement as negative "stress". Lets say you are on a treadmill running and panting (even if happily), your body may interpret this as something wrong, rapid heart beat, fast movement so it may go into anxiety or panic attack just because of the sensations. I am not sure I managed to explain it correctly.
What you described happened to me all the time, and used to be so much worse than what you experienced. All I can say try to slow down if possible, tone down as much as you can, relax, meditate, progressive muscle relaxation. Also, sometimes we think it is "normal" to multitask, work in three jobs, raise kids, go to the gym, take care of aging parents, take on extra projects... feeling on top of the world, but maybe we just over do it without even noticing it.
I had cognitive behavioral therapy and was recommended if lets say I go into a store and suddenly feel overwhelmed, panicky instead of running out of the store, I should try to stay, walk normally, act as if everything is ok, just give a feedback with my movements and behavior to my body that is everything is ok, that may help to relieve the physical symptoms.
Panic / Diagnostic Criteria
Diagnostic and statistical manual : 5th edition (DSM-5)
Panic attacks are characterized by an abrupt surge of intense fear or physical discomfort, reaching a peak within a few minutes, in which at least 4 of the following symptoms are present:
Palpitations, pounding heart, tachycardia
Sweating
Muscle trembling, shaking
Shortness of breath, sensations of smothering
Choking sensations
Chest pain or discomfort
Nausea, abdominal distress
Dizzy, lightheaded, instability, feeling faint
Derealization, depersonalization
Fears of losing control or going crazy
Fear of dying
Numbness, tingling sensations
Chills, hot flushes.
I've had chest pain before without all the other symptoms, as well as the rib pain. I really don't think the other symptoms were panic attack, because I really really try to remain calm and talk myself through everything. I don't know this whole disease is just so weird and disheartening at times
Yes, I get that once and awhile too.
Yes, it definitely sounds like a panic attack. I get them periodically, sometimes it's worse than others. Often it seems to be for no reason at all. My first attack was the worst. I actually called an ambulance and was taken to the hospital because it kept happening over and over. Now I know what is going on and just ride it out. I just remind myself that it's just a panic attack and I will be fine in a few minutes.
I do get the chest pain, breast pain and ribcage pain. I have had chest xrays, a mammogram, and an EKG done and everything was fine.