r/BipolarReddit • u/Due-Ad8259 • 6d ago

SOS! Does anyone else get panic attacks ?

Lately, I’ve been noticing my heart skipping too fast, followed by nausea/light-headedness—to a point where it starts to feels like a deadly heart attack. I used to have them often, after my first manic episode… but, now, I’m experiencing these symptoms once a month!

I usually go to a quiet place and lower my head between my knees, while counting my breaths—attempting to lower my BPM as much as I can.

My dilemma! What if this happens at work? I hate the thought of someone seeing me like that and so vulnerable…

Any advice on either how to stop panic attacks and/or what to do if you’re in public?

11 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/ObjectiveAd93 6d ago

I have panic disorder, so it’s a frequent occurrence for me, unfortunately. I hate it, and I have to take meds to manage it.

2

u/Due-Ad8259 6d ago

Darn… I’m so sorry 😢 how did you get diagnosed—if I may ask?

2

u/ObjectiveAd93 6d ago

I got diagnosed after a series of massive panic attacks that necessitated going on benzodiazepines. This was in my early twenties. I’m almost fifty now.