Length of Panic Attacks

Sylvia T. · Post by **Sylvia T.** » Wed May 21, 2008 3:29 am

Does anyone else get the attacks that come in waves for about 2 or three hours? I have nights where I wake up with an attack run to the bathroom, pace, etc, then it calms down for about 10 minutes, then returns a llittle stronger. The longest "session" was 4 hours, even with the relaxations and doing other things, etc. I feel like the attacks just wait until I'm done whatever then when I think I'm relaxed they just come right back. Could it be because I don't really know (or want to) what sets it off? I would really like other comments.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 21, 2008 6:37 am

The length of time can vary greatly from one person to the next. I have had attacks that go for hours and leave me feeling "on edge" for days following, so what your describing is normal.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 21, 2008 7:24 am

yes in fact, there are days whre i feel like im in a permanent panic attack! very scary

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 21, 2008 4:41 pm

Yes, it happened to me last night. I just finished watching "American Idol" (Tuesday) and then I got this wave of panic. It then subsided, but came again, then subsided and came even worse. I picked up the phone and talked with a close friend and after about 3 hours it was all over and I was able to go to bed. I had some tossing during the night and I was really draggy all day today (a "wiped out" feeling), but no panic attacks today. With me they vary in length. Sometimes I can get over them really quickly (less than 1/2 hour to an hour). At other times they last much longer. And I do feel so tired the next day. Rob.

Angels-R-4-Me · Post by **Angels-R-4-Me** » Wed May 21, 2008 5:23 pm

yes i get them like that too.. sometimes they last all day as well . Infact the next day im always shakey from them

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 21, 2008 6:06 pm

I've had them last all day to sometimes only about 20 min. Now they last only 20 or less min. Overtime they will last shorter and shorter as you become more able to accept the feelings and not be scared of them. The less scared you are the shorter they last. Use the 6 steps. Just keep practicing and it will become easier to do. Knowing what set it off can help but not always. The key is acceptance and then not fearing the feelings.

stargazer · Post by **stargazer** » Thu May 22, 2008 1:53 am

Thanks to all of you that responded. It really is a help knowing that whatever we are feeling we are not alone. I am finding the program and the support really comforting. It is like having a circle of friends that are always available. Best of luck to all of you.