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Adrenalin rushes, how to control them
I seem to be getting free floating anxiety attacks, last night I was just chatting with my husband when I noticed the butterflies in my belly for no reason, then I started with palps etc... I could literally feel the adrenalin buzzing round me. It was quite scary.
This morning I got it also, my baby son was having a tantrum and I got the butterflies, I felt so wound up, then another attack came on.
This evening I was encouraging my son to crawl as he is just learning, and I started feeling sickly, getting palps again, tightness in my belly, then butterflies etc... then I could feel the adrenalin buzz again!
I am not thinking about anything at the time, they just come on and they occur more than once a day. I can't control it. My pulse rate goes nuts, it goes nuts anyway with mild exertion but I did wonder if it goes nuts on exertion because I am scared to exert myself. Can subconscious thought cause it?
I know that some days I am fine, then the thought of going up the stairs because of my chronic fatigue and how mild exertion exhausts me, it leads me to psych myself up to walk up the stairs. If I am standing for a long time while I wait for hubby to lock the doors etc... I can feel it rising, and by the time I'm upstairs and in bed I have palps, strong ones. It then takes hours to calm down again.
I am not on anxiety meds as the side effects made my other physical symptoms with the supposed CFS worse, I have enquired about hypnotherapy. But are there any tips on keeping the free floating attacks from coming on?
This morning I got it also, my baby son was having a tantrum and I got the butterflies, I felt so wound up, then another attack came on.
This evening I was encouraging my son to crawl as he is just learning, and I started feeling sickly, getting palps again, tightness in my belly, then butterflies etc... then I could feel the adrenalin buzz again!
I am not thinking about anything at the time, they just come on and they occur more than once a day. I can't control it. My pulse rate goes nuts, it goes nuts anyway with mild exertion but I did wonder if it goes nuts on exertion because I am scared to exert myself. Can subconscious thought cause it?
I know that some days I am fine, then the thought of going up the stairs because of my chronic fatigue and how mild exertion exhausts me, it leads me to psych myself up to walk up the stairs. If I am standing for a long time while I wait for hubby to lock the doors etc... I can feel it rising, and by the time I'm upstairs and in bed I have palps, strong ones. It then takes hours to calm down again.
I am not on anxiety meds as the side effects made my other physical symptoms with the supposed CFS worse, I have enquired about hypnotherapy. But are there any tips on keeping the free floating attacks from coming on?
I've been suffering with anxiety attacks for about 3 years now. The first time I ever had one was quite late at night. I had a pounding headache, but didn't have any paracetamol, so rather stupidly took a muscle relaxant. I then panicked and woke my parents up insisting I was having some severe reaction to the tablets and that I needed to go to hospital. My mum managed to calm me down, but the heart palps where so strong I honestly thought I was having a heart attack or something.
I didn't have another panic attack until about 6 months later when I was on holiday. Again it happens quite late at night, around 11pm - midnight. I was under quite a lot of stress at the time (problems at work, sick relative, relationship problems), but there was no real cause of my anxiety. Over the next 6 weeks, the frequency of the attacks increased greatly, until I was having one every day. I started thinking they were down to food, and refused to eat anything with olive oil, raspberries or strawberries for fear that it would cause an attack.
My attacks usually start as chills and butterflies / weird sensations in my stomach, almost like hunger pangs, followed by a rush of adrenaline that would hit my head (like the panic you feel when you think you've lost your wallet), like my head is crawling with insects. Then I get heart palpitations and my mouth goes really dry and I start to shake uncontrollably. Sometimes, the shakes are so bad that my hands vibrate on the inside and my fingers get stuck in a bent position from the tension. During one attack I actually went very faint, banged my head and lost all feeling in my hands and feet. It was after this that I decided to see a doctor, who prescribed me with a muscle relaxant to help with the shakes, and an antidepressant. It was a very mild antidepressant, and I only took 1/4 tablet, but after taking it I had the worst panic attack of my life so refused to ever take them again. My dad tried to talk with me during the day, and I was unable to reply. I was slurring my words and felt like I was trapped inside my own body. I have since read that sometimes anxiety can be caused by serotonin levels being too high. Your body produces adrenaline to counteract the serotonin, but then these levels get so high your body has to do something to expel it. Antidepressants work by increasing serotonin levels, so if it's true panic attacks can be caused by these being too high, then that explains why I reacted so badly.
Weirdly, as winter approached, the number of attacks I was having reduced and I think between December 2012 and April 2013 I only had about 3 panic attacks. Then summer arrived, and the attacks came back. Again, they mainly happened at night and I would then take ages to settle back to sleep. Sometimes I would only get 2 hours sleep, and I was so tired at work the following day that I would feel even more stressed, which in turn made the panic attacks stronger. It got to a point where they became so bad that I was signed off work by the doctor for a month and then was only allowed to work part time for another month, before returning full time. I was prescribed nortrolin, and found that it did actually help a little. Then I went on holiday for 4 weeks, and during the whole time I didn't have a single attack, so stopped my meds. Over last winter I suffered just one panic attack, which was mid-December, and I didn't have another one until this May. After that one, I didn't have another one until thursday last week, but in the past week I've already had 3.
I really do not understand what causes my panic though. I live in a mountain village in Switzerland and we have a lot of thunderstorms in the summer. I'm very sensitive to pressure changes (I can tell when it's going to snow in winter for example) and I find that when there is a storm brewing my anxiety gets worse. This may explain why my panic attacks occur in summer. I've also heard that when the Foehn winds blow (evil winds), anxiety can be worse. In fact, there was an article by an American guy who had lived all over the world, but since living in Switzerland, he'd developed severe anxiety and depression. He started seeing a therapist, who noticed that every time the Foehn winds blew, all her foreign clients would call her having a melt down. Apparently it's caused by the increase in positive ions in the air (much the same as when there is a thunderstorm) and this effects your serotonin and adrenaline. Much like with most things surrounding anxiety and panic attacks, there isn't much scientific research to back any of this up. It would be really lovely to have some kind of answer as to what is causing my anxiety though. Perhaps then I can actually learn how to manage it.
I didn't have another panic attack until about 6 months later when I was on holiday. Again it happens quite late at night, around 11pm - midnight. I was under quite a lot of stress at the time (problems at work, sick relative, relationship problems), but there was no real cause of my anxiety. Over the next 6 weeks, the frequency of the attacks increased greatly, until I was having one every day. I started thinking they were down to food, and refused to eat anything with olive oil, raspberries or strawberries for fear that it would cause an attack.
My attacks usually start as chills and butterflies / weird sensations in my stomach, almost like hunger pangs, followed by a rush of adrenaline that would hit my head (like the panic you feel when you think you've lost your wallet), like my head is crawling with insects. Then I get heart palpitations and my mouth goes really dry and I start to shake uncontrollably. Sometimes, the shakes are so bad that my hands vibrate on the inside and my fingers get stuck in a bent position from the tension. During one attack I actually went very faint, banged my head and lost all feeling in my hands and feet. It was after this that I decided to see a doctor, who prescribed me with a muscle relaxant to help with the shakes, and an antidepressant. It was a very mild antidepressant, and I only took 1/4 tablet, but after taking it I had the worst panic attack of my life so refused to ever take them again. My dad tried to talk with me during the day, and I was unable to reply. I was slurring my words and felt like I was trapped inside my own body. I have since read that sometimes anxiety can be caused by serotonin levels being too high. Your body produces adrenaline to counteract the serotonin, but then these levels get so high your body has to do something to expel it. Antidepressants work by increasing serotonin levels, so if it's true panic attacks can be caused by these being too high, then that explains why I reacted so badly.
Weirdly, as winter approached, the number of attacks I was having reduced and I think between December 2012 and April 2013 I only had about 3 panic attacks. Then summer arrived, and the attacks came back. Again, they mainly happened at night and I would then take ages to settle back to sleep. Sometimes I would only get 2 hours sleep, and I was so tired at work the following day that I would feel even more stressed, which in turn made the panic attacks stronger. It got to a point where they became so bad that I was signed off work by the doctor for a month and then was only allowed to work part time for another month, before returning full time. I was prescribed nortrolin, and found that it did actually help a little. Then I went on holiday for 4 weeks, and during the whole time I didn't have a single attack, so stopped my meds. Over last winter I suffered just one panic attack, which was mid-December, and I didn't have another one until this May. After that one, I didn't have another one until thursday last week, but in the past week I've already had 3.
I really do not understand what causes my panic though. I live in a mountain village in Switzerland and we have a lot of thunderstorms in the summer. I'm very sensitive to pressure changes (I can tell when it's going to snow in winter for example) and I find that when there is a storm brewing my anxiety gets worse. This may explain why my panic attacks occur in summer. I've also heard that when the Foehn winds blow (evil winds), anxiety can be worse. In fact, there was an article by an American guy who had lived all over the world, but since living in Switzerland, he'd developed severe anxiety and depression. He started seeing a therapist, who noticed that every time the Foehn winds blew, all her foreign clients would call her having a melt down. Apparently it's caused by the increase in positive ions in the air (much the same as when there is a thunderstorm) and this effects your serotonin and adrenaline. Much like with most things surrounding anxiety and panic attacks, there isn't much scientific research to back any of this up. It would be really lovely to have some kind of answer as to what is causing my anxiety though. Perhaps then I can actually learn how to manage it.
Hi,
I have had this most all my life and I'm 60 years old. It started in my teens. Soooo...I have had A LOT of experiences with this problem of adrenaline/palpitations/stress/nerves. BIG TIME! Hospitals, doctors, therapists, support groups, pills, vitamins, yoga, books, advise....etc...etc....etc... Sooooo....some work, some don't but there are times when those things that didn't work that they do now. Go figure. I call myself a Panic/Adrenaline Attack Expert.
The irony of all the advise is that is just what it is, advise...no patent answers. Some hings help some people and for a while others, then different situations come and it all comes rushing back. So how do we handle it?
First and far most, it's true to rule out any SERIOUS physical problems, which I doubt very much that most of you have. I didn't either. Many times symptoms make us feel sick but we're not. Those palpitations are telling us something. I'm here to help you with this.
I have learned that I am also a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). Also, that most people with anxiety disorders ACTUALLY have thin skin on their internal organs, that includes the brain, heart and nerves so they lack protection and react more easily, that includes adrenaline. It has been proven through different types of test the experts have used to see if there is a difference in the brain in people that don't have these disorders and ones that do. This was one of their findings. But they just don't have enough research on the subject yet to give GREAT answers.
In my experience, there is not just one step and it's gone for good. If you are susceptible to this condition, you will probably need to learn ways to deal with it. I have found that relaxation tapes really work. Espcecially Dr. Emmette Millers tape. There are CERTAIN types of yoga that are extremely helpful for adrenaline rushes. The sound "Haaaaa" while leaning forward in a seated position holding onto your knees, head upward and concaving your upper stomach helps stop the adrenaline. Do this about 3 times and then relax. It is very powerful so go at it slowly and easily. Another thing, do not feel bad if you have to take medication. It's sad when people avoid it because of the social sigma. Go EASY with yourself when it comes to allowing what you need and not allowing what you don't need. Being reasonable is the first step if taking medication. Many times, taking an anxiety medication for a short time is all you might need but the other person might need to take it all their life because of their sensitivities. Another thing is to listen to your body...if it get anxious in certain situations BACK OFF! Don't avoid, but back down. Sometimes we push our fragile selves too far and then we pay for it later. Our bodies speak to us but we always seem to have the final word. Not always a good idea. We need to listen to our bodies too. Most people don't realize that we were created to have an adrenaline rush in the morning to help get us up. Well with people that are sensitive to that, it's overload...FIRST THING!....so take it easy getting up so you don't feel that rush in the morning. The other thing is that this adrenaline rush happens even in GREAT EVENTS like anything that is exciting, parties, Christmas, weddings, even sex or just something that touches your heart, can cause a rush/palpitation/panic! People don't usually realize that it's the excitement (good or bad) that causes the rush. So become aware and back off some and figure out what to do when it happens. I have learned to back off, BUT NOT RUN! If you run then we start to avoiding eventually become agoraphobic, which I have been that too. Many times, just thinking highly of something can set it off....so be aware of your thinking. Write down your thoughts... in a journal if possible... and see what you can change to keep yourself calmer....journaling is great! Meditation does help too....it's just that it takes so much time, devotion and is extremely disciplined. It's good but I think doing EASY (real) Hatha Yoga (not this Abbs Yoga or Hot yoga....not good for adrenaline rushes) is the best. Also, taking long walks at a good clip, eating less salt and keeping the weight down all helps distress your body.
Don't put yourself down if you are taking medication either. That can cause more panic. Get plenty of sleep too.
I have found that magnesium glycinate chelate has helped me ALOT! And I take regular vitamins too. But this has calmed the adrenaline down a LOT!
There are several other things that we can do to help ourselves with this condition. Six Healing Sounds by Dr.Tao is a great adrenaline/stress reliever.
Another thing....try is to keep your atmosphere calm. Calm music, lit candles, nice scents, comfortable clothes....easy foods on the digestion....it really pays off. If you have a paying job, it would be after work that this would be a good time for you to do these things. If you have kids or a demanding mate, make plans that you have this time to YOU NO MATTER WHAT!!!! It's the difference between having this and not having this and you'll be a better person for them too. And pressures, turn them into small challenges instead of GREAT BIG STRESSES. It will be worth it.
Stay away from the news....it's all bad.....that is one of the things they tell us in our anxiety support group to do. If it's bad enough, YOU WILL HEAR about it. Scary or loud movies/music might be fun SOMETIMES but many times they can produce anxiety that we don't even realize, and that leads to adrenaline rush again and panicking in a movie theatre is no fun!
Massage therapy is VERY helpful! Find a therapist that can work that stress down and not over do it or under do it! Massage clinics are a good start. They know their therapists and can help you pick one that is best suited for your situation. it might cost at first but again, it's worth being without the adrenaline rush/ palpitations/anxiety/ panic......right?
I hope that has helped. If you have any questions I would be glad to try to help.
Joy
I have had this most all my life and I'm 60 years old. It started in my teens. Soooo...I have had A LOT of experiences with this problem of adrenaline/palpitations/stress/nerves. BIG TIME! Hospitals, doctors, therapists, support groups, pills, vitamins, yoga, books, advise....etc...etc....etc... Sooooo....some work, some don't but there are times when those things that didn't work that they do now. Go figure. I call myself a Panic/Adrenaline Attack Expert.
The irony of all the advise is that is just what it is, advise...no patent answers. Some hings help some people and for a while others, then different situations come and it all comes rushing back. So how do we handle it?
First and far most, it's true to rule out any SERIOUS physical problems, which I doubt very much that most of you have. I didn't either. Many times symptoms make us feel sick but we're not. Those palpitations are telling us something. I'm here to help you with this.
I have learned that I am also a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). Also, that most people with anxiety disorders ACTUALLY have thin skin on their internal organs, that includes the brain, heart and nerves so they lack protection and react more easily, that includes adrenaline. It has been proven through different types of test the experts have used to see if there is a difference in the brain in people that don't have these disorders and ones that do. This was one of their findings. But they just don't have enough research on the subject yet to give GREAT answers.
In my experience, there is not just one step and it's gone for good. If you are susceptible to this condition, you will probably need to learn ways to deal with it. I have found that relaxation tapes really work. Espcecially Dr. Emmette Millers tape. There are CERTAIN types of yoga that are extremely helpful for adrenaline rushes. The sound "Haaaaa" while leaning forward in a seated position holding onto your knees, head upward and concaving your upper stomach helps stop the adrenaline. Do this about 3 times and then relax. It is very powerful so go at it slowly and easily. Another thing, do not feel bad if you have to take medication. It's sad when people avoid it because of the social sigma. Go EASY with yourself when it comes to allowing what you need and not allowing what you don't need. Being reasonable is the first step if taking medication. Many times, taking an anxiety medication for a short time is all you might need but the other person might need to take it all their life because of their sensitivities. Another thing is to listen to your body...if it get anxious in certain situations BACK OFF! Don't avoid, but back down. Sometimes we push our fragile selves too far and then we pay for it later. Our bodies speak to us but we always seem to have the final word. Not always a good idea. We need to listen to our bodies too. Most people don't realize that we were created to have an adrenaline rush in the morning to help get us up. Well with people that are sensitive to that, it's overload...FIRST THING!....so take it easy getting up so you don't feel that rush in the morning. The other thing is that this adrenaline rush happens even in GREAT EVENTS like anything that is exciting, parties, Christmas, weddings, even sex or just something that touches your heart, can cause a rush/palpitation/panic! People don't usually realize that it's the excitement (good or bad) that causes the rush. So become aware and back off some and figure out what to do when it happens. I have learned to back off, BUT NOT RUN! If you run then we start to avoiding eventually become agoraphobic, which I have been that too. Many times, just thinking highly of something can set it off....so be aware of your thinking. Write down your thoughts... in a journal if possible... and see what you can change to keep yourself calmer....journaling is great! Meditation does help too....it's just that it takes so much time, devotion and is extremely disciplined. It's good but I think doing EASY (real) Hatha Yoga (not this Abbs Yoga or Hot yoga....not good for adrenaline rushes) is the best. Also, taking long walks at a good clip, eating less salt and keeping the weight down all helps distress your body.
Don't put yourself down if you are taking medication either. That can cause more panic. Get plenty of sleep too.
I have found that magnesium glycinate chelate has helped me ALOT! And I take regular vitamins too. But this has calmed the adrenaline down a LOT!
There are several other things that we can do to help ourselves with this condition. Six Healing Sounds by Dr.Tao is a great adrenaline/stress reliever.
Another thing....try is to keep your atmosphere calm. Calm music, lit candles, nice scents, comfortable clothes....easy foods on the digestion....it really pays off. If you have a paying job, it would be after work that this would be a good time for you to do these things. If you have kids or a demanding mate, make plans that you have this time to YOU NO MATTER WHAT!!!! It's the difference between having this and not having this and you'll be a better person for them too. And pressures, turn them into small challenges instead of GREAT BIG STRESSES. It will be worth it.
Stay away from the news....it's all bad.....that is one of the things they tell us in our anxiety support group to do. If it's bad enough, YOU WILL HEAR about it. Scary or loud movies/music might be fun SOMETIMES but many times they can produce anxiety that we don't even realize, and that leads to adrenaline rush again and panicking in a movie theatre is no fun!
Massage therapy is VERY helpful! Find a therapist that can work that stress down and not over do it or under do it! Massage clinics are a good start. They know their therapists and can help you pick one that is best suited for your situation. it might cost at first but again, it's worth being without the adrenaline rush/ palpitations/anxiety/ panic......right?
I hope that has helped. If you have any questions I would be glad to try to help.
Joy
Yes, I have it sometimes...Specially when I am going to sleep and thoughts racing in my head thats the time the symptoms kicks in...but when I tried to divert my thoughts to something positive...I can still feel the symptoms you've mentioned...But somehow I can control them..Its just so uncomfortable.
Yes i had mint/electric static in had once. i think it was to my hypthalamus (the home of the nerves).. was weird.. um try to see if your vitamin deficient in any vitamin... i have possible nerve damage..
I have quite the opposite problem and probably shudnt be posting here, I CANT spark adrenaline, because I don't feel fear, or rage, or unhappiness, or any emotion that might activate, the adrenal gland, I CANT GET ANGRY, I sometimes feel in my left shoulder to neck area a powerful electric shock. I try getting mad and my brain shuts down. What is happening?
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