Hey everyone!
I have a character who has anxiety and sufferers from panic attacks every so often. (Not very often, actually. Once or twice, maybe? Anyways, this is beside the point.)
The problem is that I myself have never had a panic attack and I don’t have very serious anxiety.
Could someone maybe explain to me what it’s like? What happens? And how? I know this question might be too personal, so only reply if you’re comfortable with it. Thanks! :)
Last time I had a full-blown panic attack was in….idk, March maybe?? I was in the guidance counselor's office and I started hyperventilating, and shaking and I couldn't even stop long enough to talk and explain what was wrong.I don't remember much else, but I hope that helps!
Hi Julie! I have severe anxiety and have panic attacks way too regularly. Its something I want to share with people to raise awareness, and I'm happy to talk about it. I cant type much right now, but I'm following this discussion and I'll try to respond within 24 hours. If you have any other questions about similar disorders such as Tourette's Syndrome and clinical OCD, I'm happy to inform you about them to the best of my abilities. I can't write now, but like I said, I'll come back later with a long comment!
Having anxiety is like constantly thinking the worst is going to happen and it effects your mood. It's more than just worrying and fretting it can cause serious depression because it can make you feel like everything you're doing is wrong and everyone hates you for it.
It's hyperventilating, short, fast breaths, in too fast, out too fast. There's not enough oxygen in your system. You can't think straight. Everything is wrong, just wrong, and you don't know how to fix it or how to stop the panic attack. You curl up, making yourself as small as possible. You want to be safe, even if you're not actually in any danger.
^^Exactly. I'm just bad at words.
So this thread here from the sharing and critiques board discusses a similar topic. I especially recommend reading Kellsey's description - it's very detailed and from my experience, very accurate
Hey, sorry I took so long to respond.
Wow… that’s insane. Sending virtual hugs to all of you ❤️
This is super helpful, not only for my writing but also in real life. I never knew the reality of anxiety before… and even though I’m still pretty clueless about it, now I at least know a little bit… and wow….
I’m super eager to learn more! Thank you, all of you!!
One question I have: is there usually something that would kinda… trigger a panic attack, I guess? (Bad wording, sorry 😂)
@ninja_violinist
Thanks so much, that was the most helpful thing ever!!
Hey, sorry I took so long to respond.
Wow… that’s insane. Sending virtual hugs to all of you ❤️
This is super helpful, not only for my writing but also in real life. I never knew the reality of anxiety before… and even though I’m still pretty clueless about it, now I at least know a little bit… and wow….
I’m super eager to learn more! Thank you, all of you!!
One question I have: is there usually something that would kinda… trigger a panic attack, I guess? (Bad wording, sorry 😂)
Okay, so I cannot remember which is which, but there is a difference between panic attacks and anxiety attacks
Pretty sure panic attacks have a trigger, while anxiety attacks do not (but it might be the other way around)
Also you are using trigger in the right context here so don't even worry about it
But anyways, yes! Panic attacks can be triggered by stressors. It's different for each person, but I had a friend once who if anyone touched her (esp her face), she would have a panic attack because of her history (she lived in an abusive household). So like…. yes definitely.
So touch I think is a common one. Sometimes certain words or foods or places or events can trigger one.
memories too I think
So if someone were to bring up a certain memory, that might trigger a panic attack?
Yes, definitely
Yes. I cannot bring up certain memories from 9 years ago because if I do, I'll go into full attack mode and shut down completely. I repress these memories subconsciously to avoid that situation but recently it's been getting harder and harder to do so, as what happened 9 years ago is now once again my terminal reality. So many people pry and ask and pretend they care and that it's their business too but really, it isn't at all. Their questions cause more harm than help and with every time I get pulled aside, I can feel it. I can feel it in the back of my mind just wanting to take control. It wants to take me down that dark path, back through my memories to that one day. That one day which changed my life–my family's life–for the worst.
If I go into detail I'll end up an unresponsive mess of hyperventilating, rocking back and forth, shaking uncontrollably, and even repeating certain words or phrases ingrained in my memories.
This is the same reason, to this day, that I cannot eat pudding, for fear of that same reaction.
I have one that almost does that lol
But I can usually prevent it
Lmao I started rocking back and forth without even realizing it when I wrote that. hoo boy
Oh man, I’m really sorry, you guys. 💜💜💜💜💜
I did some quick research, and anxiety attacks are the ones that are typically triggered by something, while panic attacks are the more unpredictable ones. So I guess my character is experiencing anxiety attacks rather than panic attacks. Lol I didn’t even know there was a difference before
I don't know if mine are anxiety or panic attacks to be honest
Here's the best way to describe a person with anxiety's mentality: anxiety is NOT about logic.
Here's the best way to describe a person with anxiety's mentality: anxiety is NOT about logic.
YES
I just had a panic attack the other night and it was like my logical brain was pushed into the corner- I knew I needed to breathe if I wanted to calm down, but I couldn't force myself to breathe slowly
^^^ Accurate. (Accur-Kat??)
YES
ACCURKAT
YAY IM NOT ALONE!!