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Author Topic: I had a panic attack at work today.
Puffy Treat
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My first in nearly four years. I'm not sure what triggered it. I went from doing my job in the usual routine way to a weeping, wailing, staggering mess who had to hide in the Men's Room while struggling to just breath normally.

I felt so humiliated. Not that my boss and co-workers were unkind. Quite the opposite. They were concerned, understanding, compassionate.

Still, I just felt so...unprofessional. I also felt like I wanted to hide in a closet for the rest of the weekend, stroking a blanket.

Quite frankly, the only thing that got me out of the restroom was one of the most heart-felt prayers of my life.

I'm glad God was able to help me, but I'm really hoping this doesn't become an everyday incident. It was bad enough a few years ago. I honestly thought I was past this sort of thing.

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Synesthesia
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I once had a panic attack at a job I was at.
I was sitting there listening to a woman lecture about how to get volunteers when I saw a lacy pattern in front of my eyes and heard an ocean like roaring in my ears.
Next thing I knew folks were dragging me outside and putting a cold wet paper towel on my neck and they forced me to go to the emergency room where I found I just had a cold.
It was embarassing.
Do not feel bad. I also have had one at a Gwar concert and in the bathroom once.
I politely suggest getting checked up at the doctor just in case.

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Samprimary
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quote:
I was sitting there listening to a woman lecture about how to get volunteers when I saw a lacy pattern in front of my eyes and heard an ocean like roaring in my ears.
Next thing I knew folks were dragging me outside and putting a cold wet paper towel on my neck and they forced me to go to the emergency room where I found I just had a cold.

I don't think what you experienced is called a panic attack.
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Synesthesia
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It was.
I broke out into a cold sweat and felt hot at hte same time, I could barely breathe.
It was terrorfying.

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Samprimary
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The first description is just basically you fainting. I'm granting there's perhaps plenty not included in that description, but honestly if it was just

- saw pattern
- heard rushing
- zonked out

that's just some form of syncope?

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Synesthesia
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quote:
Originally posted by Samprimary:
The first description is just basically you fainting. I'm granting there's perhaps plenty not included in that description, but honestly if it was just

- saw pattern
- heard rushing
- zonked out

that's just some form of syncope?

No, it wasn't fainting. It was also breaking out into a cold sweat, feeling like I was about to die, feeling hot and cold at the same time. Pounding heart too, dizziness, a lot of trouble breathing...
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katdog42
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I also had a panic attack at work on Friday. It was my first in at least five years.

Fortunately, they used to be so common for me that I have learned to control the outward expression until I can get myself to a safe place. I also know what triggered mine so it was a little easier for me to get a handle on it.

Sounds like you were lucky to be around compassionate people. Hopefully they don't see it as any big thing.

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dabbler
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I wouldn't take it personally, Syn. I think he's trying to match it to a medical description of a panic attack. There's a public usage version, which applies to many myriad things, and a more specific usage which may or may not apply to what you experienced.
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rollainm
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I had what I assume was a panic attack a couple of years ago. It was very unexpected. I know what the specific cause was, but it was a situation I would have normally been able to deal with. In retrospect it was a particularly stressful time in my life, and I suppose it all just caught up with me in that moment.

I'm not comfortable sharing the details so openly, but I want you to know I can relate and I'm sorry you had to experience that.

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String
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Sorry to hear that puffy. It in' ever a fun thing. It's happened to me twice too, once at a diner and once on a camping trip. sounds like the people around you were cool about it though and that makes it easier.
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mr_porteiro_head
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I'm kinda surprised to hear that you have a job, Puffy. How in the world can you find the time for a job with all the movies you have to watch? [Wink]
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Puffy Treat
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Have you seen ticket prices these days? I need to afford all those flicks somehow!
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lobo
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I would have a panic attack at this time of year if I was a movie buff too. Total garbage until November...
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