This is my anxious face!
What are the signs of panic attacks in anxiety?
Here is a story:
Julie, I was feeling ok this morning and decided to work on my latest work project when I get to the office. It is due next week and I’ve had such a hard time getting it done. My boss is understanding, but she really can’t cover for me any more. I’ve never gone through such a tough time work wise. Never.
This morning, I got up feeling ok. I drove to work with a smile on my face. Nothing was wrong. Nothing. I am not sick. I like my work. In about five minutes, my heart started pounding. I could feel it. Not one thing had changed from the moment I left my house. I am not depressed. I am not manic. Just this pounding heart.
Then, I had trouble breathing. Like something was stuck in my throat. If fells like cotton. My chest then gets tight. Like someone is pressing on me. I feel an intense pressure on my sternum. All of this happens in seconds. SECONDS!
Then, I sob. A grown man. I sob! It’s a cry out- like grief. But I’m not sad! Nothing is wrong! Julie! As I get closer to work, I can hear my heart beating in my ears and a feeling of dread comes over me and then I hear the thoughts.
You will never finish this project. This project is doomed. You will never feel better.
These thoughts are physical. They combine with the shortness of breath, the beating hear, the ringing in the ears, the fear, the idea that something is wrong.
Nothing is wrong damn it!
I have to finish this project. This is my life and my job and nothing is wrong with me except that everything feels wrong and I can’t breath and I’m crying as I drive to work.
Rob.
Well. Rob has entered a world I know well. He has perfectly described an anxiety panic attack. They come out of NO WHERE. They are not necessarily tied to an event- yes, Rob has a project due, but nothing is happening with the project or at work that would justify this kind of reaction just driving to work. His bipolar is under control. He is not depressed or manic. He is not angry or using drugs. He has a stable relationship and people who care about him.
This is ANXIETY and it’s a @#$@#$%@#$#@$#@$%@#$%!
Anxiety is treated separately from bipolar disorder. In my experience, those of us with mania can’t take anti depressants at anxiety levels due to our mania, so that treatment path is not for us. Benzodiazepines such as Ativan in very small amounts can help in the moment, but they do not address the real issues of panic attacks. And please, know that many people including myself use Benzos without getting addicted.
This is a physical illness. It needs to be treated with physical activity, breathing, cognitive behavior therapy and medications if needed. It is serious. Tell me about your anxiety and what you do about it?
Julie
You can always pull over or go to a quiet place and use this video to calm things down so that you can at least think of what you need.
PS: Please know that this kind of anxiety is NOT a part of bipolar disorder unless you are manic or depressed at the same time. Rob is stable, so this anxiety is separate. I have this kind of anxiety from a head injury.
I use the ideas in my book Get it Done When You’re Depressed for much of my anxiety management. It works for anxiety as well as depression.
