Think I just had a panic attack

[Emher]

Okay like a mild one but still. Perhaps some background is good:

When I started the education I took from last August to June I (and pretty much everyone else) was more or less led to believe that after completing it we would have a very good shot at getting a job. Maybe that was true then and it all changed with the economy this winter. I don't know, but in any case I've now been out of school for soon to be two months. During this time I've taken care of some things that I hadn't had time with during the year to take care of and also started a business project with my dad. While the latter is going forward, we're not yet at the point to actually earning something from it. So at the moment our familys sole income is basically dad and some wellfare things my mom get because she's on sick leave (basically, lots of Swedish stuff here guys).

And it's this part that eating me. I had some money saved up so I could takje care of my part of the bills up until last month. This month I don't have a dime. So my parents help me out with that, they already pay half the bills since my brother lives with me. They've been helping out with food for about a month as well. My parents are great and do this without complaining since they know things will get better and they know that I'm trying to find some kind of small job to earn something while dad and get our business started, but it's not that easy. I won't go to the government run firm that are supposed to help people with jobs since I have some reeeaaaaalllllllllllyyyy bad experience with them.

Anyway I was sorta okay with all this. One important thing I learned this past year was to not worry so damned much, that a positive attitude can help a lot. But then I messed up. Not huge, but I messed up when I calculated how much the bills where this month. It's not a huge amount but it's big enough that I could not afford it at all, and some stuff that I thought I'd gotten sold I haven't gotten payed for yet. So I had to call dad and say it like it is, that I miscalculated. And I hate talking to dad about money. Both he and mom helps me out so much even though any sane person would have tired of me long time ago. In any case I say it like it is and I can clearly hear the tired tone in my dads voice, but he says he'll get it transferred. I thank him and says I'll see him tomorrow.

As soon as I hang up I sit down on the couch and start hyperventilating. I manage to just get calmed down so that I steer it over to long deep breaths. But I just sit there a long while, while the room spins around me. Finally the room stops and I manage to breathe normally.

I dunno, I guess I just have to vent. It's probably gonna be okay and I'll be better in the morning. Or it won't be okay and I'll be crap in the morning. In any case I fucking hate having no money.

 

[Kirk's_Tights]

I have anxiety disorder, got it when I was 16, and I get:

-dry mouth
-dizzyness
-palpitations
-shortness of breath
-nasea
-shaking
-chest pain
-fear of dying
-fear of losing control
-sweating

I can feel my nerves jumping all the time and everything worries me more than it should.

This all happens to me at the same time. IT'S JUST SO AWESOME BEING ME.

 

[Lindley]

Breathing into a paper bag helps with hyperventilation. It speeds the increase of CO2 in the body or something.

 

[john titor]

Don't worry about it, everyone makes mistakes, more often than not with money. I know you had really bad experiences but you know consider it as an option if its absolutely necessary. Maybe look further afield for jobs. I see the economy picking up within the next few years.

 

[iguana_tonante]

When I start worrying too much about something, usually I just go to read a book. Reality is overrated in any case.

 

[trekkiedane]

As soon as I hang up I sit down on the couch and start hyperventilating. I manage to just get calmed down so that I steer it over to long deep breaths. But I just sit there a long while, while the room spins around me. Finally the room stops and I manage to breathe normally.

Been there; not being able to sit down while the phone conversation is going on and not being able to stand just afterwards. No, really: must be strange chemicals released in the body in those situations!

I've pretty much always been taken care off by 'the system' (and, indeed, it isn't nice!) and I suppose it is a different way beyond the sound, but wouldn't it help both you and your parents to get whatever financial help you are entitled to? -sure there must be some disadvantages, but if you try to take 'it easy' and just tell your social worker 'the truth, the whole truth and nothing but' (don't be shy: tell her (statistics show that most social workers are women) about your fears and feelings too!) there must be some way they can help you in your current situation -and to improve on it.

If you want to talk, I'm just one PM away.

 

[Emher]

I have anxiety disorder, got it when I was 16, and I get:

-dry mouth
-dizzyness
-palpitations
-shortness of breath
-nasea
-shaking
-chest pain
-fear of dying
-fear of losing control
-sweating

I can feel my nerves jumping all the time and everything worries me more than it should.

This all happens to me at the same time. IT'S JUST SO AWESOME BEING ME.

You just describe my teens. Don't quite have it as bad as you, but a lot of this does fit me when I get really down. I also get trouble sleeping.

Don't worry about it, everyone makes mistakes, more often than not with money. I know you had really bad experiences but you know consider it as an option if its absolutely necessary. Maybe look further afield for jobs. I see the economy picking up within the next few years.

I know it's a small mistake, it's mainly that I hate to bother then more then I already do. I honestly wonder at times why thell they haven't just disowned me already, they've got three other that are doing well, then don't need me bringing the total value of the set.

And I'm considering it a last option. I really. Don't. Like. That. Place. And I think it's gonna pick up as well, in fact if people just stopped being so damned worried about it and just think a bit more about their money but not the excessive afraid-of-spending-anything-or-hiring-anyone-degree they are doing right now things would get better quick.

When I start worrying too much about something, usually I just go to read a book. Reality is overrated in any case.

I watch Grey's Anatomy. Or post here.


Thanks for the input guys. Even though this is mainly venting.

 

[Emher]

As soon as I hang up I sit down on the couch and start hyperventilating. I manage to just get calmed down so that I steer it over to long deep breaths. But I just sit there a long while, while the room spins around me. Finally the room stops and I manage to breathe normally.

Been there; not being able to sit down while the phone conversation is going on and not being able to stand just afterwards. No, really: must be strange chemicals released in the body in those situations!

I've pretty much always been taken care off by 'the system' (and, indeed, it isn't nice!) and I suppose it is a different way beyond the sound, but wouldn't it help both you and your parents to get whatever financial help you are entitled to? -sure there must be some disadvantages, but if you try to take 'it easy' and just tell your social worker 'the truth, the whole truth and nothing but' (don't be shy: tell her (statistics show that most social workers are women) about your fears and feelings too!) there must be some way they can help you in your current situation -and to improve on it.

If you want to talk, I'm just one PM away.

Well one of my main problems is also this: I got my dads genes. My dad's a workaholic and while I'm not quite as bad as him, I still...just...gotta...do...something! I can't be taken care of by the system. I hate the system. The system has always been shit to me and my family.

I haven't ruled it out, but I consider it a very last resort. Like it's that or death.

 

[trekkiedane]

Well one of my main problems is also this: I got my dads genes. My dad's a workaholic and while I'm not quite as bad as him, I still...just...gotta...do...something! I can't be taken care of by the system. I hate the system. The system has always been shit to me and my family.

I haven't ruled it out, but I consider it a very last resort. Like it's that or death.

And I'm just like my dad: if his mum hadn't pushed him into the workforce he would never have had a job! -and b/c mu mum was too busy working to push me I never had one! (short version)

But... You are entitled to not get by on your own (live in the street off hand-outs), right? -The disadvantages might be overpowering though - once I got into the system I found it impossible to get out again, you see.
They didn't as much help me onto my own two feet as make me a total social case.

 

[Emher]

Yeah that's another thing really. My mum got in about ten years back because she really was not doing well at all. She's having uge problems getting out. This summer she was offered a job, they wanted her for it, she wanted to do it, but the services said that since she hadn't sent in the papers in what they considered to be enough time to processed, she couldn't. If she worked anyway she would lose the money she's getting now and not get it back. And seeing as the position wasn't a permanent one (well it could be, but it wasn't a sure thing) my mom had to turn it down. I just don't want to end up in similar mess. I want to end up making enough money that I don't have to worry about that stuff. If I just can make decent money I'm there. I don't have a very extravagant life style at all and have learned to pinch a penny both twice and three times these past few years.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

I have these inexplicable things I'd call "panic attacks" only under specific circumstances. The symptoms are always the same:

* Light-headedness
* Sweating
* A vague but intense feeling of dread
* Room spinning
* All sound fades out
* Feeling hot all over

And if I don't resolve the situation quickly, I'll faint. It's only happened to me a handful of times, but each time there was a common element: I was wearing something over my torso that was thick and heavy. A big coat, a lead vest at the dentist's office, and that thing the barber puts over you when you're getting a haircut. Kind of embarrassing to pass out in the barber's chair, let me tell you...

I don't know why I react that way to those situations. It's just really weird. So, I try to avoid wearing heavy coats, lead vests, etc.

 

[trekkiedane]

I have these inexplicable things I'd call "panic attacks" only under specific circumstances. The symptoms are always the same:

* Light-headedness
* Sweating
* A vague but intense feeling of dread
* Room spinning
* All sound fades out
* Feeling hot all over

And if I don't resolve the situation quickly, I'll faint. It's only happened to me a handful of times, but each time there was a common element: I was wearing something over my torso that was thick and heavy. A big coat, a lead vest at the dentist's office, and that thing the barber puts over you when you're getting a haircut. Kind of embarrassing to pass out in the barber's chair, let me tell you...

I don't know why I react that way to those situations. It's just really weird. So, I try to avoid wearing heavy coats, lead vests, etc.

I have something not entirely different from that. I have found that it mostly is in situations where I have a diminished (if at all existing) control of my immediate 'position': being locked up in a big coat, the lead apron or even the sheet the barber uses, I find EXTREMELY confining and then I get the sweats and whatnot! -It's some kind of claustrophobia I suppose, but not linked to a small space as much as lack of control and another person being too close to me.

 

[Kestra]

Eeek! Panic attacks are very much not fun. Hope you get the situation under control.

 

[AstroSmurf]

I have been having panic attacks for years, since I was sixteen in fact. Over the years the symptoms have changed a little here and there but the horrifying panic remains the same. Of course the racing heart and dizziness is still there. I take medications for it now so it doesn't bother me much.

But I have a story that you might like and hopefully it will cheer you up a bit Emher. Yesterday my mother dropped her car off to be serviced. While she was waiting for my sister to pick her up for lunch, she noticed a couple of the shop guys standing around outside one of the bays chatting. Since she knew a couple of them, she walked over to say hello and noticed why they were all standing at the door. Inside was a candy apple red 2010 Camaro SS! She was ecstatic! Well she turned on the charm and sweet-talked the boys into letting her sit in it. They even let her crank it! My mother, the sweet southern bell, has always had a secret thing for fast cars. Even now, with her rapidly approaching 60, she loves a car that looks and runs mean. She is a speed demon! And before she left the dealership she had a stack of brochures and an appointment to test-drive the next one that comes in. She called me the moment she left to gloat about her good fortune. (I am still mad she got to drive the new Aston Martin before I did.)

And both of us have already picked out our colors. She wants her Camaro in orange and I want mine in the grey.

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

Never had panic attacks, but I do struggle with anxiety. I'd offer two bits of advice.

1. Try and learn some relaxation techniques to deal with the symptoms of the panic attack themselves. Muscle relaxation and deep breathing are two good ones If it gets really serious try a prescription medication.

2. Try and talk back to your thoughts. I think it is a clear case of your own thoughts actually creating the anxiety your feeling and not the situation your in. Your parents actually seem to be happy to help you out in your time of need and our looking forward to the time when your business with your father can get off the ground. Maybe you can look at their help as a short term loan you'll pay back, or give your dad a greater share of the profits from the business for awhile.

I know how you are feeling. I have been dependent on my girlfriend for quite awhile as I struggle to find employment. It is very humiliating. But like she is always telling me I can't look at it as just me anymore, it is her and I in it together. Accept this help form your parents for awhile as a sign of their love that you are going to return.

 

[Angry Angel]

In any case I say it like it is and I can clearly hear the tired tone in my dads voice, but he says he'll get it transferred. I thank him and says I'll see him tomorrow.

I'm sure he's just tired of the situation and it not giving you and him a break. I wouldn't worry about it more than you've already been doing, you're clearly in this together and have their support. Otherwise they would have let you hanging a long time ago already.

I dunno if you've tried already, but are there any seasonal jobs available? It's still Summer, there might be some job out there and might give you that bit extra money you need, or at least keeps you occupied till something better comes along. Also, I know you Swedes try to avoid social services and Försäkringskassan like the plague, but at one point you might just have to go there even with the bad experiences you've had. They're not all bad people (Aurian works at the first).

Anyway, I hope you find a suitable solution for yourself and your family, you deserve a break.

 

[ShamelessMcBundy]

Well talking about it helps. We're here for you if you need someone to talk to.

I once came really close to having an emotional breakdown several years ago. That was not fun.

 

[JuanBolio]

My advice?

 

[RJDiogenes]

A panic attack is pretty understandable under the circumstances-- and those are pretty common circumstances these days. Just remember that it will pass and it can't hurt you. And it probably is a good idea to get whatever government assistance you can to tide you over.

 

[Emher]

First off thanks for the words of support and sharing you're own circumstances guys. Secondly I'm better today. Good nights sleep helps with a lot.

But I have a story that you might like and hopefully it will cheer you up a bit Emher. Yesterday my mother dropped her car off to be serviced. While she was waiting for my sister to pick her up for lunch, she noticed a couple of the shop guys standing around outside one of the bays chatting. Since she knew a couple of them, she walked over to say hello and noticed why they were all standing at the door. Inside was a candy apple red 2010 Camaro SS! She was ecstatic! Well she turned on the charm and sweet-talked the boys into letting her sit in it. They even let her crank it! My mother, the sweet southern bell, has always had a secret thing for fast cars. Even now, with her rapidly approaching 60, she loves a car that looks and runs mean. She is a speed demon! And before she left the dealership she had a stack of brochures and an appointment to test-drive the next one that comes in. She called me the moment she left to gloat about her good fortune. (I am still mad she got to drive the new Aston Martin before I did.)

And both of us have already picked out our colors. She wants her Camaro in orange and I want mine in the grey.

Aw man, you're mom is awesome! I've had a sit in one but I would have loved to have revved it a bit! Hopefully sometime in the future I'll have the money for one.

My dads the same, he drives a Honda motorbike in the summer. My brother and I have made a wow that if we've got the money to spare when my dad turns 60 (he's 51 now) we're going to get him 68 Dodge Charger R/T, black with black vinyl roof just like in Bullitt since he loves that car.

I saw the orange in real life and it's a bit too red for my taste. If it was closer to the Challenger's HEMI Orange I might consider it. The grey, Cyber Grey Metallic, is a nice grey but I just can't buy this in a subtle color. For me it's gotta be yellow out of the current line. Next year is supposed to bring two greens, one light and one dark, then I might really be in trouble!

In any case I say it like it is and I can clearly hear the tired tone in my dads voice, but he says he'll get it transferred. I thank him and says I'll see him tomorrow.

I'm sure he's just tired of the situation and it not giving you and him a break. I wouldn't worry about it more than you've already been doing, you're clearly in this together and have their support. Otherwise they would have let you hanging a long time ago already.

I dunno if you've tried already, but are there any seasonal jobs available? It's still Summer, there might be some job out there and might give you that bit extra money you need, or at least keeps you occupied till something better comes along. Also, I know you Swedes try to avoid social services and Försäkringskassan like the plague, but at one point you might just have to go there even with the bad experiences you've had. They're not all bad people (Aurian works at the first).

Anyway, I hope you find a suitable solution for yourself and your family, you deserve a breeak.

Yeah I talked to him an hour ago and I said not to worry about it, that we would work us way trough this.

And yeah I've tried but the competition is murder out here in Norrtälje seeing as we live so much on the summer guests everyone fills their positions early for the summer. Still looking though.

Haven't tried social services but Försäkringkassan is the Devils invention. It's the place that's been by far worst to us and I'll never willingly go there.

But thanks man