Hysterical Outbursts

[cole2458]

I've had panic disorder since I was 14, (5 years now) and there have been times when it's been managable and times when it hasn't. Despite using the program, I happen to be in a time when it's not so managable. When I have a panic attack, it comes on really suddenly, and very strongly. I usually become quite hysterical, and am terribly embarrassed by it. The fear just over takes me and I feel like I become a 5-yr old who's not getting her way. My panic attacks are more like tantrums, and are really out of control. I just started working with a new therapist, so hopefully that will help, but I can't get over the embarrassment of having these "hysterical outbursts". I feel so foolish, but it only happens when my panic is so beyond out of control, when I feel like I'm just going to die right then and there.

Does anyone else act this way when you panic? I have a lot of anticipatory anxiety over doing things that might be hard because I think "What if I act like that again and can't control it? What will people think of me, a 19 yr old having a panic tantrum?"

[Guest]

Hi. I don't really have panic attacks, but I am a very anxious, negative self talker. I did have a medication induced panic episode from Celexa, but up to that point no panic. I did however drive myself quite silly from the fear of that episode. Several times after that initial incident I would get "those" feelings and freak out. Cry and get upset and wonder why this was all happening and if I was going to be okay etc.
I do still have a bit of the "what if that heppens again?" but I just keep telling myself that it was the meds and each subsequent episode was a result of my fear and negative thinking.

I do tend to be a bit dramatic whether it's fear or anger. I think it might be because as a kid I has to be dramatic to get attention. ANyhow, I don't know if any of this has helped, but I hope so.