Is it normal to have panic attacks 2 nights straight in a row. And have been relying on medication just to help calm myself and breath again. I have been really drained out and not knowing what else to do any more
Dear determinedotter8546,
Thank you for taking your time to post on let’s talk!
It is not uncommon for panic attacks to cluster especially if you are undergoing tremendous stress, or anxiety. Having them on consecutive and requiring medications to get through them could be a sign that you are under significant stress. It is not something you have to go through it alone.
Having said that, panic attacks may not be physically dangerous, but the patterns that you have described (recurring episode, relying on medications to cope and feeling exhausted) suggest that it might be useful to speak to a doctor or a mental health professional soon. They can look at what may be triggering this, or if the current medication is suitable for you, and you can also look at what long-term support would look like for you. Here are some resources you can consider moving forward:
- If you already have a psychiatrist, you can ask your psychiatrist if they could link you up with a counsellor who can walk with you through what is triggering it, and also discuss some coping strategies with you
- If you are not receiving any help from any professional, you can head down to your nearest polyclinic to consult a GP first who will then be able to assess you and provide some referral to a mental health professional
- Mindline.sg has some useful tips on how to mange anxiety or stress. You can take a look at some of these resources that reasonates with you
Please remember that you do not have to go through this alone 
i been thinking if i should have my appointment earlier just to see my phsycatrist. I dont know if is it worth calling in to ask if i could have a earlier appointment. Afraid not of how to say it when they asks what have been going on
i been thinking if i should have my appointment earlier just to see my phsycatrist. I dont know if is it worth calling in to ask if i could have a earlier appointment. Afraid not of how to say it when they asks what have been going on.
That is a really good call to reach out to bring your appointment forward to an earlier date. That it worth trying given the frequent panic attacks, relying on medications to get through them, and feeling completely drained out. These are the kind of things your psychiatrist needs to know about. I hear that you are feeling afraid to share with them what’s been going on, and what might be helpful for you to know is that you do not have to explain everything to them. You can just share with them how things have gotten difficult recently and that would like to be seen sooner if that is possible.
It is hard to open up. i recently just opened up. Im just scared
I’m really sorry you’re going through this. That sounds incredibly frightening and exhausting.
Panic attacks can sometimes happen close together, especially during periods of intense stress or anxiety. But if you’ve had them two nights in a row and are needing medication each time just to calm down and breathe again, it’s a sign that you deserve some extra support rather than trying to cope with it on your own.
If the medication was prescribed for you, keep taking it as directed, but I’d also encourage you to let the doctor or mental health professional who prescribed it know that your panic attacks have become more frequent. They can help you figure out what’s changed and whether your treatment needs adjusting.
In the meantime, be gentle with yourself. Your body has been through a lot, so it’s completely understandable that you feel drained. You don’t have to push through this alone.
And if your panic symptoms become severe, you have trouble breathing that doesn’t settle, or you feel like you’re in immediate danger, please seek urgent medical care. You deserve support, and you don’t have to carry this by yourself:)
I hear you, opening up must have taken real courage and it makes sense that you feel scared about doing it again. Is there anything specific about opening up that feels scary for you?
Im just scared that i would cry when talking about it. Im scared that the memories would start repeating itself like one of them after opening up it have been replaying in my head on and of being it during the late night when there is no distractions and happens right when im just about to close my eyes and sleep
I just feel im o’ing on it. I dont know if i make sense. Just 2 nights in a row needing it. Last night i manage to blast music and eventually fall asleep
That is okay, you do not have to figure it all out. Just knowing that it feels scary is enough. What is more important is that you have taken the step to think about getting support. That itself is strength and courage
I just decided to wait till the next appointmemt In afew week. Just got to rearrange thoughts which i hate doing that. It takes up alot of energy. Im here trying not to rely on my medication even being out with people
I see, it must have taken a lot of energy to try rearrange your thoughts even though you hate doing that. I can see how much you are trying not to rely on medications. I noticed that blasting music helps a lot! I hope that can help you in the meantime as well
I tried doing it earlier, re arranging thoughts earlier, writing it down, i gave up half way when being around family. They kept looking at me when i did. Still drained out from still thinking of trying writting it out