Why is it that so many people have panic/anxiety attacks but they never talk about it? Only when you talk about you come to the conclusion that a large part of the people you know have them in some form or another. In my experience talking about it helps. That's the reason I'm writing this. I need to get it off my chest, and maybe help someone else who has these as well, convince them they can talk about it and that itis nothing to be ashamed about or feel awkward about.

I have been on the verge of an attack since Sunday and you feel uncomfortable in your own skin. You know something is not right but you get put your finger on it. You feel restless, your heart is pounding and racing, you feel dizzy. Your head feels like it's filled with cottonballs. And that's not even an attack, just the prelude.

Since my life is so ty and confusing and complicated at the moment, it's not a wonder that I'm having these attacks. But I hate it when they sneak up on me. Like they did just now. I didn't expect the situation to happen, that was the trigger, like at all. It hit me like a tsunami. Bang, like being shot. It hit me harder because I so didn't expect it. And I never thought that the situation at hand would ever cause me to have an attack in the first place.

I really hate this, you feel drained and feel like you are dying in that instant and like contractions, it comes in waves and the waves will keep going even when the height of the attack has already passed.

When I start to feel chills running up and down my spine, that is when I know I have had the worst of it. The only thing that helps is valerianroot or more aggressive methods like xanax, but I don't like to use that and just try to breath through it. Telling yourself that you're not going to die and try to slow down you breathing to a steady pace. For me attacks can be in full effect for 20 to 50 minutes and the aftershocks can last up to 2 days.

I never expected me, a really down-to-earth kind of girl to get attacks like this in the first place but alas I have nothing to say about it. This was forced upon me rather suddenly and all I can to is try to roll with the punches and try not to get hurt by it all.

If you can recognize yourself in this, speak up, not to me literally but at least to someone. I really think it helps talking about it.

Good luck all and have a good day. Virtual hugs from me to anyone who needsit right now.