Derealization during a panic attack is a type of dissociative symptom that some people may experience. Derealization is a sensation that occurs when an individual feels disconnected from their surroundings or like the world around them is not real. During a derealization panic attack, individuals may feel like they are in a dream or movie surreal experience, or like their environment is not real. I went through this during my last suicide attempt. I just kind of zoned out from when it happened, to when I went in for surgery. I could hear everything that was going on, but I was frozen, I couldn’t move any part of my body. Besides that, I tried speaking, that didn’t work either. Also, sometimes panic attacks can be dangerous depending on circumstances.

When Panic Attacks Are Dangerous

Here are some factors that may contribute to dangerous panic attacks:

Underlying health conditions: Panic attacks can occur independently or in the context of other health conditions such as heart disease, asthma, or epilepsy. In such cases, panic attacks can exacerbate existing health conditions, leading to complications that may be dangerous or life-threatening.

Co-occurring mental health conditions: Panic attacks can sometimes co-occur with other mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorders. In these cases, panic attacks may further complicate the course of the underlying mental health conditions and increase the risk of self-harm or suicide attempts.

Panic disorder with agoraphobia: Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by a fear of places or situations where escape may be difficult or embarrassing. Panic disorder often co-occurs with agoraphobia, and in extreme cases, individuals may become housebound due to their anxiety and fear of panic attacks. This can lead to social isolation, depression and increase the risk of harmful self-medicating behaviors.

Panic attacks while driving: Panic attacks can also occur while driving, leading to accidents or risky driving behaviors. This can put the individual and other drivers on the road at risk of harm. If we banned everybody who has had a panic attack from driving, there would be only a small percentage of people left in the world who would be able to drive. Having a panic attack is so common place nowadays.

Silent Anxiety Attacks

A silent anxiety attack is primarily characterized by intense internal sensations that can be overwhelming and frightening. During a silent panic attack, individuals may experience strong feelings of fear or terror, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or pain, heart palpitations, profuse sweating, and disorientation. However, these symptoms are not always visible to others as they can happen internally. I guess I just don’t see it, how can you have a silent panic attack? I can see it if it’s a minor one. Next is having rolling panic attacks.

Rolling Panic Attacks

Rolling panic attacks involves recurrent and intense episodes of panic that occur over a prolonged period. The name “rolling” or “wave-like” is used to describe the experience of panic symptoms that come in waves, intensifying and then gradually subsiding before returning again. I’ve never had a rolling panic attack (thank God). Besides, I don’t think I would survive through it! I have had some horrific panic attacks, but I was able to make it to the other side. If I had a wave of them, I wouldn’t make it. Usually when I have a bad one, first I try to squelch it using different techniques. At the same time, if that doesn’t work, my go to is medication. Usually that works against the anxiety attack. Can you imagine having a panic attack lasting for days?

Panic Attack Lasting Days

If a panic attack lasts for days, it is essential to seek help from a medical or mental health professional immediately. Long-lasting panic attacks can be severe and debilitating and can impact your daily life significantly. Here are some steps to take if you are experiencing a panic attack that lasts for days; seek emergency medical attention, reach out to a mental health professional, use coping strategies recommended by the mental health professional, take your medication, practice self-care, and reach out to a support system. My only problem is I don’t really have a support system. I’m talking about friends and family. Be that as it may be, my only support system is my two doctor’s and my therapist. My family have distanced themselves from me or my dad just shakes his head. He doesn’t understand what it’s like to have mental illness because he’s never been through it or doesn’t want to admit it. Despite that, having panic attacks from PTSD are also horrible.

PTSD Panic Attack

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Traumatic events can include but are not limited to, natural disasters, combat exposure, sexual violence, physical violence, or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms usually occur after the event and can last for months or even years after the traumatic experience. Some of the symptoms may include: intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, hyperarousal (heightened emotions) and negative thoughts and mood.
Furthermore, panic attacks while you’re sleeping can be frightening, to say the least.

Panic Attack During Sleep

Having a panic attack while asleep can be a frightening experience, as individuals may not fully realize what is happening to them. Here are some steps that may help manage the symptoms of a panic attack while asleep: practice good sleep hygiene, practice relaxation techniques, address stressors, sleep with a trusted person, use grounding techniques, and seek professional help. My sleep hygiene is so horrible. I don’t really have a routine that I follow. Sleeping with someone you trust, such as a partner or family member, can provide a sense of security and support in case a panic attack occurs. Try to ground yourself in the moment. Focus on your breathing, name objects around you, or repeat a simple mantra to yourself. These are just some of the steps to take when you’re having a panic attack during sleep. What should you do if you are having a anxiety attack?

Anxiety Attack, What To Do

If you experience a panic attack, you may feel overwhelmed and out of control. The following steps may help manage panic attack symptoms:

Acknowledge the panic attack: Recognize that you are experiencing a panic attack, and try not to fight it. Accepting the symptoms can help you handle them better and reduce the stress response.

Slow your breathing: Practice taking deep breaths, inhaling slowly and deeply through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Counting your breaths can help you focus on your breathing and keep your mind from racing.

Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or visualization can help reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.

Distract yourself: Sometimes, distracting yourself can help you break the cycle of negative thoughts. Focus on a simple task, such as counting the tiles on the floor or looking at a piece of art.

Challenge your thoughts: Try to recognize and challenge negative thoughts. Ask yourself if they are realistic. Are they based on facts or worry?

Seek support: Reach out to a trusted friend or family member if possible. They can provide emotional support and help you feel less isolated.

Stay grounded: Try to stay present and grounded in the moment. Name objects around you or say a mantra to yourself to help you focus on the present.

CBT For Anxiety Attacks

This is a panic attack treatment you can do right at home. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that is effective in treating panic attacks for several reasons including identifying and addressing negative thought patterns, behavioral exposure and response prevention, encourages self-management, teaches practical skills to manage and prevent panic attacks. Research has shown that CBT is highly effective in reducing panic attack frequency and severity and improving the quality of life for individuals who suffer from panic disorders. It is especially effective when used in combination with medication and other forms of psychotherapy, such as exposure therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. CBT is extremely helpful when you are having an anxiety attack.

Conclusion

Individuals who have never experienced a panic attack, are lucky. I started to get them in my early twenties. Although, it might have started before then and I just don’t remember. Likewise, I mentioned I experienced derealization during a panic attack amidst my last suicide attempt. I could feel and hear certain things that were going on, however, my body felt very heavy and I couldn’t move. I couldn’t even speak. Also, CBT, stay grounded, seek support and challenge your thoughts are a few of the ways to calm down from a panic attack after you’ve had one.

Articles

-Panic Attack Symptoms

https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/panic-attack-symptoms

-What Are Support Groups For Anxiety?

https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/anxiety-support-group

-Natural Ways To Calm Your Anxiety

https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/ss/slideshow-natural-manage-anxiety

Have a Good One,

Cindee, One Voice – Unstoppable

“You’re not alone!”