Help/Advice needed....Panic Attacks

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Hey Gang, I dunno if Panic Attacks and/or anxiety is common for those whom are on the spectrum however it now appears that I am suffering from major panic attack the night before and the mornings on which I have classes last Thursday I woke up I felt as tho I had somebody heavy sitting on my chest I was dizzy and sweating like hell tho I did manage to go to one of my classes which was OK Now here's what I don't get my Math teacher is more then willing to help me and willing to teach on my level (meaning visual cues or explaining things in a more direct/simplistic way) it appears this one cares tho my writing class is a different story while the teacher is nice and outgoing I don't think she understands exactly how difficult it is for me to draft things some from a story in a book and stretch things out to 7 paragraphs. I try telling her it's difficult and I always get the same response "just try your best" it's to the point where she lets me sit in the back corner of the room and work at my pace or on a PC which I can draft things a lil more faster then pen and paper. so I dunno why I am getting major anxiety or panic attacks as I am going to bed the night before or when I wake up the morning of.

So I turn once again to you guys for some advice... Is Anxiety common for those whom are on the spectrum if so what are some way to help treat it?! I've very leery about taking meds I've had some negative reactions to various meds in my younger years, Tho I feel if I continue on in this manner that a heat attack will be forthcoming and giving my family's genetics it may kill me. Please help!

did I say something or do something wrong here? Anybody have any advice?

panic attacks feel awful, but are not dangerous. you should get your heart checked. then if it's okay, that's one less worry. you are doing the best thing for a panic attack, which is to do the dreaded activity anyways. usually, over time, this causes the panic attacks to subside.

Thanks for the reply,

I'm up and about this morning getting ready to go to class(es) I'm feeling kinda so-so this morning I woke up ok and then it suddenly hit me I'm thinking it could be one of my classes that is causing me such distress knowing that I have little to no help in the subject doesn't help much....I am with a state VR agency and one of the job placement specialist was looking to see if I can get an instructional Aide or tutor through the college as per ADA guidelines section 504 but the college I am going to is being tight lipped in not returning calls to my job placement specialist so I feel that I am phucked!!

I want to graduate by this fall or winter at the latest but these damned panic attacks are starting to really get in the way of me making any progress, That is why I was wondering if panic attacks or anxiety is more common for those whom are on the spectrum so that maybe I can bring this up with my doctor and see what can be done.

I think that's a good idea to discuss your options with the doctor. You could also try natural options if you like, such as drinking herbal teas and try to avoid caffeine if possible. It's important to eat healthily and a balanced diet. There are also over the counter calming medications.

I was having a lot of stress a number of years ago, caused by post-traumatic stress and had a few panic attacks at that time, but this was some time before I was diagnosed, so I had no medication to help me.

Exercise, in my case running, is also beneficial in helping to de-stress, as it releases serotonins resulting in feeling more relaxed.

Best of luck with your studies and job placement: I know you can do it. Go for it, and remember you can post to WP any time you feel a bit down, or even PM me if you like, as we are here to support each other.

I still haven't gotten over my panic attacks. I hope you're not like me.

Panic attacks suck. They're even more frightening when there is no logical reason for them happening, and you can't predict them. I've had to pull over to the side of the road to chill, or I've had to dart into a ladies' room stall when I've been out in public and suddenly one would hit. The anxiety just multiplies because there's no way of knowing when it will happen again or how long it will last.

It's not the answer for everyone - and not even the complete answer for me because I do still occasionally have them, though not nearly as severe or for as long- but sometimes medication can help.

I've had serious problems with panic attacks at several points in my life- even to the point of ending up in the hospital because I couldn't get my heart rate to go down. I have heart valve damage from rheumatic fever, and an irregular heart beat anyway, so once I get riled up my heart rhythm goes nuts which can potentially be dangerous.

For the past 11 years I have been taking a combination of Prozac and Catapres for depression and anxiety. That combination of meds has been helpful for me to stay a bit more calm and balanced so I can cope with things better.

The best thing to remember is that even at its worst, a panic attack is temporary. It will go away, even when it feels like a terrifying eternity.

Anxiety is a huge thing for me and I have panic disorder as well as autism.
If you're having a panic attack and you're at home you can lie flat on your stomach for 10 min. to help regulate your breathing. While you're doing this you can distract yourself by reading, listening to music ect. Panic attacks are awful but they are usually short.
Other ways I've fought off panic attacks
-have hot showers
-go for a run
-play video games
-do some deep even breathing
-watch a movie
Don't forget to take care of yourself afterwards. Plan nice things/outings/ treats for yourself to look forward to -it can help make you feel better after a panic/anxiety attack.
If you're having anxiety/panic attacks it's for a reason. Do you have a coucellor at school you can talk to? Maybe you can ask for an extension on the assignments?

When I have panick attacks (used to have them at least once a day but now that I'm on medications I have them during more stressful times such as finals or social gatherings) I have to get the energy out. Run(or an exercise), deep breathing- on top of that I use Valerian root. Its an herb that helps a little but it smells bad so use capsule forms and wash your hands afterward.
Hope that helps a bit