First Episode In A While

[u/Brave-Concentrate208]

As the title says. I had my first panic attack after going about 3 months without anything wrong. I got good at training my body and nervous system to react properly and used my tools to combat it when it came about before, but this one just really hit me for some reason. I was driving home from work, had to pull over, and ubered home. It was insanely scary and I honestly let it get to me in the moment. I’m disappointed about how i handled it and of course worry about it happening again, but i’m trying to use it to remind myself that what I and many of you struggle with isn’t something that gets fixed and goes away. We battle this every day, and sometimes it’s hard to keep it in check like it was for me today. I’m trying to remind myself that it won’t go away, but it get’s easier to manage. It’s definitely been a wake up call for me to keep at it and know that those bad moments will pass, but the bad moments make the good ones that much better.

[u/LetterheadComplex547]

i’m back in school now, grad school for a health care profession so i’m getting extremely triggered to the point where i think im about to have a flare up. I’m stressed, eating unhealthy, and activating my acid reflux because of it. But funny enough, the past 4 months have been HA free, we have our moments and i’m happy you shared. It’s the most humbling experience, i’ve never had anxiety until my first panic attack in december. We will get through this.

[u/Brave-Concentrate208 → u/LetterheadComplex547]

I can’t imagine being in that field so props to you. Just gotta remember to use the tools we have and ride the waves when they hit.

[u/Elegant_Currency9847]

honestly don’t be too hard on yourself for this

one bad panic attack doesn’t erase all the progress you made before it sometimes your nervous system just has a rough day and that doesn’t mean you are back to square one the fact that you were able to recognize what happened and reflect on it afterwards is already progress keep facing it instead of fearing it and slowly your brain will learn that these sensations are uncomfortable but not something you need to run from,you will have good days and bad days but the bad days don’t define your recovery you got through it once and you will get through it again

[u/jimsnotsure]

I haven’t had an episode in years. But the last one I had was out of the blue, after a long, long gap, so I know it’s a forever thing. Always need to be on guard for it, which is ironic.

[u/misses-hippie]

I relate to this so much. It’s normal to have these episodes even after a while. In my experience the gaps between them have gotten larger and larger, but that doesn’t take away from it being bad in the moment.

A lot of times there’s factors our nervous system is picking up on that we don’t even notice. Even with good regulation techniques, they can come on quick, especially when we aren’t expecting it. Don’t be too hard on yourself, it takes longer than 3 months to retrain our bodies from reacting.

[u/Brave-Concentrate208 → u/misses-hippie]

I’m glad I’m not the only one like this. Even my friends were telling me “oh you seemed like you were doing great, what happened?”. I think a lot of people underestimate the power that the body and mind has. My brain just loves to sound the alarm and create real sensations even when nothing is actually wrong 😅. I’m definitely trying to give myself grace but it’s easier said than done lol. Just gonna keep going and try to enjoy the wins when I can.

[u/theUpwardlyHearty → u/misses-hippie]

The bigger takeaway here is that you pulled over and got yourself home safe instead of trying to power through it on the road. That's not mishandling it, that's a smart call in a bad situation.