panic attack!

[helppmee1234]

I recently got a panic attack on the plane. I don't know what happened. all i remember was my mom brought up the death of my dog again and i was just upset. I was fine until i got on the plane and after like 20 minutes i couldn't breathe, my heart was racing, i was crying uncontrollably(like tears were just coming out) and i needed to like scream or run away. was that a panic attack and will it happen again?

[TedKell]

My friend, humans are naturally neurotics. We don't have big claws and horns or thick skin or speed and clime ability to defend ourselves. So, neurosis is built-in. But hey, you've got it from plane travel. This is a threat to your life, yes. But it is a threat as long as your psyche knows it as threat. You need to teach your brain that death is inevitable and afraid of it is worthless. Enjoy what you've got to enjoy, don't imagine your plane crashing, sleep, read a book, enjoy glorious view from the sky. Train your brain and panic attacks will go away. I guarantee!!! don't be afraid to experience panic attack. Nobody died from it. Tell yourself that you know how it feels and look for real reasons behind it. The panic itself is unpleasant experience but not deadly. Change your thoughts. Embrace yourself with it, don't fight, don't be scared. Relax, breathe deep, think of positive things but best - destroy your ideas about  whatever brings your panic by disputing it vigorously.

[helppmee1234]

Alright thanks. I'll try to talk to my doctor about it. I'm just really worried that if It happens again it'll get worse. Was this something that I was born with? Or it can happen to anyone?

[Gulfstream2]

I'm assuming it was when you're mother brought up your dog's death that you had the episode? I'm sorry to hear that your pet died, that can be very hard on some and understandably so.

I highly suggest that you lie low, just take it easy for a few days and relax.
If that death of your pet is really bothering you, it may help to talk to someone about it to help you out.

[TedKell]

Yes, it will happen again, unless you take car of it!  The problem here is Pavlovian Conditioning. Next time you will remember what happened and it may trigger it again. Read "control your anxiety before it controls you' by Albert Ellis. Learn tho think rationally and you will effectively stop all panic and similar conditions

[Gabzzz]

Without a doubt that was a panic attack! If you're really worried about it talk to your doctor about it. Now about your second question that's an unknown, but some advice for panic attacks, try to roll with it, don't fight them or they'll just get fiestier! If you're in the middle of one try putting your head between your knees and breathing deeply! That usually helps me, or if I can get into fresh air and walk around that helps too!