panic attackk
 

(not sure if this goes in the mental health section or in the anxiety & stress section, mods feel free to move this post if it fits better elsewhere)

I had to go to one of my relative's weddings, and long story short within two minutes of going to there –the music was very loud and I felt that there were too many people– I ran to the bathroom and started crying. That whole morning before the event too, I had kind of butterflies in my stomach (the kind that make you feel stressed, you know?) and I had almost cried twice over little pathetic things, but managed to control myself in time. So I think the event was just too much for me, and I kind of hid in the bathroom until one of my parents came.


So, I have a question: do specific things trigger panic attacks, or do they kind of happen randomly? Also, is it normal to still feel terrible after the panic, like the really weird butterflies I mentioned before?? thx for any replies :p

Re: panic attackk
 

Hi, so I have autism and often find lots of noise and people can trigger anxiety/panic attacks. It is Normal after an anxiety /panic attack to feel anxious , tired/exhausted and sometimes achey and nausea can be common too . With an anxiety/panic attack your body is in fight or flight mode ( sometimes freeze mode too) which gives a sudden rush of adrenaline which can leave you shakey , nauseous and anxious etc afterwards.

Some of the things I find help me are having a plan in place like if I know I am going to be in a noisy place that has lots of people which could potentially be overwhelming I try and find out if there is a place I can go to that is quiet and away from all the noise, I take my ear defenders with me (these help to reduce the noise input ) , I take a fidget toy or two, an item that is what I call a safe item ( usually a colouring book and some pens or pencils or my Nintendo switch ) so I know that I have things that I can like use / have if things get to much.

Re: panic attackk
 

I do have some noise-cancelling headphones and some fidget toys, which could work. I appreciate the help, I was mostly worried about the after-effects of the panic attack which were making me feel quite sick… thank you for the recommendations and tips

Re: panic attackk
 

That’s ok, yeah ear defenders are great I always have some in my bag . Never be embarrassed to use them. I often have worn mine in town when the noise of the street buskers or motorbikes or sirens etc has got to much .