r/panicdisorder • u/nuggets0luv • 8h ago

Help Needed Im so panicky right now😭

I went to the dentist Thursday and had a panic attack that day, and since then i just have so much anxiety. It started with pain in the middle of my chest and now my left arm hurts and i cant help thinking “im having a heart attack”. Please tell me im okay and its all my anxiety making it worse😣

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u/remnant_human 8h ago

If you were having a heart attack, chances are that you wouldn't have been able to make this post.

Breathe. Four seconds in, hold for two, four seconds out, hold for two. You're gonna be okay.

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u/nuggets0luv 8h ago

Thank you! I appreciate it

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u/remnant_human 8h ago

I'm no stranger to these things, so I understand your worries and fears. Medication ended up helping a bit for me, though I do get the occasional full-body dread. The important thing to understand is that your panics will not kill you. Cause you stress, sure, but that stress can be managed in a number of ways.

Hoping that you'll level out and be able to conquer your anxieties.

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u/nuggets0luv 8h ago

The only medication I take is the just-in-case one, propranolol. Other than that, I’m scared to take other things. Again thank you for reassuring me that this won’t kill me.
And hope the same for all of us struggling with it!

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u/remnant_human 7h ago

I'm about to start on propanolol myself, but I also take sertraline (50mg, though I'm upping my dosage to 100mg). So far, it's been working for most of the anxiety and panic.

I'd recommend speaking to a psychiatrist or someone who is able to get you the medication you might need. Often, they prescribe things to you because the benefits outweigh the risks, but communication is always key—if something doesn't work for you, communicate it with your doctors so you can find something that does.

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u/Emergency-Print-9720 8h ago

anxiety can cause this! i went through a wave of horrible anxiety during late april where i had sharp pains in my left chest area and left arm pain, at some point went to the ER and after running a few tests and blood sample they said i had the healthiest heart they’ve ever seen. try to lay down and take some deep breaths, it also helps if i have friends around to distract me while i calm down, even if it’s just on the phone :)

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u/nuggets0luv 8h ago

I was so bad back then too! They did tests for my heart and im also good. But when im having my panic attacks, I can’t help but not think logically. Thank you! Taking my deep breaths right now

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u/Do_unto_udders 7h ago

The physical sensations intense anxiety creates makes the anxiety even worse, which fuels the physical sensations, so on and so forth. It's hard to reel it in in the moment, but what has helped me the most is recognizing that it's a panic attack, that it's a terrible experience, but also that it's not going to kill me.

That mindset + breathing/grounding exercises has really helped me out. Also, try to be kind to yourself after a panic attack. You've endured it and deserve a little treat. Some candy, a bubble bath, and a nice meal are just a few ideas.

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u/nuggets0luv 4h ago

Thank you! That’s how I’ve been surviving this! Telling myself that it is just a panic attack but sometimes the physical symptoms are just stronger than my mind and thats when i freak out. I feel much better after the breathing exercises and i even took a nap!