Question:
But I do have a few questions for you all, most of which I will probably
ask my doctor as well:
1) When a panic attack is about to come over me...I get a tingling
sensation on my scalp, almost as if little flares are going off in my
head. This usually happens as my whole body seems heavier and my stomach
churns a bit, then my heart starts racing. Is this...typical? The
tingling sensation is very unnerving to me--it's usually makes me think
I'm about to go crazy and I have to start running, as if I'll die if I
let it take over me.
2) Does anyone have a problem with twitching eyelids? I know this is
also a typical stress/anxiety symptom, but does anyone have any tips for
solving it?
3) Is it typical for someone to start having panic/attacks in their 20s
with no previous history of anxiety problems?
Answer:
what you describe happened to me almost 10 years ago, when I was 26.
I went from average joe-blow, to super-panic attacks in nothing flat - - out
of nowhere.
After a few weeks, I went from a typical guy to somebody who felt they were
either about to die or go completely crazy.
It was the worst feeling I ever felt. I think at one point I figured I'd be
catching a break if I just died.
And now, years later, I'm for the most part o.k.....a little anxious at
times, a little tense maybe. but for the most part normal.
I did have a couple panic breaks outs over the years, but only a few and
they didn't last more then a day or two.
So, what you describe is very much like what happened to me.
I recall being under a lot of pressure and stress, and I guess it just took
over. I remember not being able to sleep, because I was so focused on
breathing....it was like breathing because a manual effort....not a
subconscious one. that was hell.
Here is my advice:
If you experience an attack, roll with it. Let it pass and don't fight it.
Breathe deep and relaxed, knowing it will pass.
This came to me after reading other posts and learning after so many
attacks.
Sometimes meds are trial & error. Different solutions for different people.
Some people take a while to figure out what works for them. Don't give up
trying to find the best solution for you. There are setbacks - - just keep
trying.
I knew my doc was on to something when he had me take xanax. Because the
first time I took it, it was the first time I was able to relax and feel
semi-normal after my very first attack. I trusted the doc to come up with
the best meds to help me out. It has worked for the most part.
People get them all sorts of ways. I get them lots of different ways
too. Often they are very similar to what you are describing. It's
certainly common enough.
Yeah I don't like that symptom much either - it's like needles going
into your scalp. But it passes after a few minutes like all panic
symptoms. Never forget, panics are short lived and cause no harm
to the human body. No one in the history of the world ever died
from a panic attack.
Sometimes I get it. It goes away after a while too. Believe me you are
far more aware of this when it happens than anyone else. Nobody is
going to notice it is happening except you.
This seems to be the most common time for it to begin. Mine started
when I was 27.
I feel better now that my breathing is under control (for the most
part). It can speed up during an attack, but otherwise I don't believe
I'm hyperventilating throughout the day like I was a few weeks ago.
I have also been experiencing burning sensations on my upper body. It
almost feels like a light sunburn--I did some Google seaches but
couldn't find much information on it. I did this one site
http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms/burning-sensations.shtml
-- which seems to describe it well. Has anyone else experienced this? Is
this a less common symptom?
