Q: Ok; lately I've been under a lot of stress [with school, boy issues, and family problems.] but today I was thinking about everything and I started to not be able to breath. So I tried hard to catch my breath; and a few seconds later I got it back. It was so scary. I thought I had a panic attack. So I went and looked it up on the internet; but it wasn't the same symptoms or anything. but nervous breakdown symptoms seemed to go with it...but I'm just not sure what happen. Does anyone know. Because I'm scared; i dont want to tell my mom but i dont want it to happen again either can someone explain whats going on?
A: You were experiencing a mild anxiety attack...similiar to a panic attack, just not as severe. Most people who have panic attacks started out with the milder version you described. So anxiety disorders can progress. We all get anxious, it's part of the human experience. But unrelenting stress (and the accompaning anxiety it creates) puts a tremendous load on our nervous systems, and they can and do break down as a result. Your local library should have some self help books for managing/reducing anxiety. If you have a school counselor, (s)he may be helpful. Learning some stress management techniques can go a long way toward helping you to cope and giving you the tools to recover from those episodes where anxiety takes over. Strengthen your nervous system by minimizing sugar intake, eating a healthy diet (especially being sure to get adequate B vitamins and good healthy omega-3 fatty acids).