What that a panic attack?

Posted , 5 users are following.

I went to sleep after staying up all night slightly stressing about things I had to do the next day. At 10 am, I decided I need to at least take a nap. I woke up around 2 hours later. But when I woke up, I immediately felt severe dread and panicy. Something was very wrong but I didn't know what. I got up and tried walking it off (thought maybe I was still half asleep), but that didn't work. 

It's very hard to describe what was happening but, I'll try my best. When I looked around, it felt like my eyes were skipping over what my brain was trying to focus on. My eyes were just rolling around my sockets looking at everything except what I wanted or needed to look at. When ever I tried to think of something in my head, for some reason I felt as though I should be seeing it. It's like my thoughts and my vision were getting mixed up. I wasn't seeing things that weren't there, but it felt like I wasn't seeing what I was suppose to be seeing. 

I couldn't concentrate on a damn thing. I tried sitting down and writing my name and a few random things, but I just couldn't focus on it. 

I thought I was going crazy. I thought multiple times about calling 911 but was afraid they'd take me to a mental institution. 

Even writing this now, I'm feeling very anxious. 

So, what the hell is going on? Was that a panic attack? (i've experienced it one time before, and it was pretty much the same story.)

Maybe I should go to a doctor?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Personally I would go to a doctor just to make sure it isn't anything physical.. Panic attacks make you do very weird things, and judging by how well you wrote this message, it seems like it could be all mental since you're clearly not having trouble putting words together. Just lay back down, take some deep breaths, try to relax.. Did the writing help at all? Maybe just get some paper and draw or something to keep your mind off of it. Has it gotten better yet at all?

  • Posted

    Maybe you should accept that it was a panic attack.

    Why are you even asking if you've had one before, which was exactly the same.

    Doctors are far too busy to have to deal with people who have random panic attacks.

    • Posted

      Tess.

      It's not my business to butt in, but this poor guy is having a hard time and you respond with a post such as you did...?

      'why are you even asking if you've had one before, which was exactly the same' is a good enough reason for anyone to ask for opinions and hopefully come across someone who has had a similar experience, especially on a forum.

      I do agree with your doctors analogy tho.

      --they ARE too busy herding people thru 10 to 15 minute "consultations" filling their pockets with money, not caring about anyone, especially, as you put it, 'people who have random panic attacks'.

  • Posted

    Hi Ronark.

    From what you describe, it sounds like you were in some type of sleep paralysis and woke without the usual symptoms, except for the anxiety and panic attack.

    My son has episodes like this and has learnt to reassure himself it will pass and he lays still and waits for it to pass.

    He has also studied lucid dreaming which has helped.

  • Posted

    I don't necessarily have the same symptoms as you but I can relate because after I take a nap seems to be when I have panic attacks! I never remember waking up and like you I feel panicked and just completely out of it like I'm not fully awake! I get super nauseous and feel faint. It helps me to just sit and do some deep breathing or walk outside and get fresh air. I think it is common for this to happen though.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.