Stress Center Peer Support

I don't know quite how to explain this but does anybody, just all the sudden, feel almost like a jolt to their insides. I have sat in class (not even feeling much anxiety) and just all the sudden I feel a jolt and it's like waking up from a nightmare. I sit straight up, panic for a moment, take a drink of water or something to distract me and then just moments later, I'm fine. I've had panic attacks that lasted 20-30 minutes but this is just seconds. I don't know if this is my anxiety or a medical issue. Anybody ever felt like this?

I have also felt that before. Have you ever had a complete exam before? That would rule anything out. Then you would know it was just another pesky annoying panic attack. You seem to know how to get through them though.

I feel a little better knowing you have felt that before too. About 6 years ago I was feeling those "jolts" and I went to the Dr. and they did all kinds of tests, ultrasounds of my heart, treadmill stress test, etc. and said everything was normal. I'm kind of afraid to tell my Dr. because I'm afraid they'll want to do all those tests again and I don't have health insurance anymore!

Mine feel almost like a quick wave that starts in my stomach. Yes healthcare is very expensive. How long have you had anxiety?

Yes, mine sometimes feel that way too. Or it starts in my chest and goes to my head. I had anxiety when I was a kid (8 or 9)but didn't know it. I remember telling my mom I couldn't breathe and she told me to just sit up straight. Then it went away for a long time and came back when I was about 22. It lasted a few months and went away (still not knowing what it was). Then it came back about a year ago and has stayed with me. I'm on Zoloft right now and it helps but I really would like to get off of it and manage on my own. I was so desperate though...I was having panic attacks every day and missing work and school a lot.

YES! I remembered being scared because I got those...somedays were wayyy worse then others. You are okay!!