Panic

Sucky news here...I had a big panic attack at work Thursday. In front of my boss and department. No one was from the area and didn't know where a walk-in clinic or ER was. I finally came out of it by running around the block. I was dizzy, chest was tight, arms went tingly then numb, and my heart was racing. Then of course, I freak out that I'm having a panic attack and that makes it worse. I didn't feel like I was hyperventilating but that is where the dizziness and numb limbs came in. The ER nurse said to carry a paper bag with me so I don't pass out. In retrospect I felt it coming on all morning and just didn't know what it was. This totally sucks! So now I have a prescription for Ada-something (like Xanax) in case I get another attack. And I found a General Practitioner to see me Tuesday.

Now that I know what it was I've realized I had two before. One in KY before a day of climbing last June, thought it was dehydration mixed with coffee and sudafed. The other the night I arrived and freaked out about driving the auto transport in the city and getting lost. Luckily I had a Xanax left over from my last flight and I took it right away and didn't get the full symptoms. That, however, was a really stressful event. Thursday at work wasn't!

I think I do have a family history of anxiety. I believe that both my Grandmother and Aunt were worriers and may have self medicated with alcohol. I did find some methods to control the attack online. They resemble some techniques of meditation...

Grab and object and describe it in great detail using all five senses: touch, sight, taste, smell, audio. "Describe proportion, color, contrast, pattern, and texture. These tasks require concentration; you have to engage several different parts of your mind to be able to observe, measure, translate, compare and explain." Keep explaining in detail until the attack is over. I'm practicing this so that it comes easier during an episode. Each night I'm grabbing a different pet. However I do not taste them... I do plan on signing up for meditation classes. A friend told me that it has really helped her to relax.

Went running tonight on the beach with my friend and the dogs. I feel really relaxed after, a nice change. Plus I ran longer running with someone. Running on the beach really works you out so when I run on concrete I run faster and longer. Climbing tomorrow...will take pics!