• Replies 3 replies
  • Subscribers 5 subscribers
  • Views 39 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Autism and Panic attacks

MarkoG

Hi everyone, 

I am new here, I have not been diagnosed but have been told I probably most likely have autism. I am looking for advice, I have been experiencing panic attacks with no real triggers and nothing seems to help it, im usually too far into the attack to use breathing techniques and these can last for 4 hours.

Does anyone suffer similar or have any recommendations what could help

  • Just a note for others that this is a duplicate thread. 

    The version with older replies is here:

     Autism and Panic attacks 

  • Have you tried writing down afterwards what was happening and what your were doing before you had the panic attack? Basically acting like an investigator, looking at the events before hand and trying to figure out how you feel about them? 

    If you can work out your triggers it might help you, not being able to read your own emotions is a thing, if you look up alexythymia. I don't have anything near as bad, but I have had it when I was sitting thinking of something (it's was actually worrying about my assessment), and I noticed my heart was beating fast and I was breathing faster and feeling panicky. Recognising it, I was able to then go, 'I need to try calm down and think of something else' and I used some comfort TV to feel better. (Whatever comfort things that help you regulate might help a little?)

    If you can keep an eye on triggers and be aware of signs your body is going into that mode, it might give you a chance to do something to help? Sorry I don't know if that's helpful at all. 

  • Hi MarkoG,

    First of all, welcome! Thank you for sharing to our online community. 

    Sorry to hear you have been struggling with panic attacks. They can be incredibly overwhelming, especially when they last for hours.

    You may like to have a look at the mental health section of our website which has useful links to information and advice about a range of mental health issues: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health   

     The following information may be of particular interest: 

     Anxiety https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/anxiety

    Our website also has a diagnosis hub, this includes information, practical and multimedia resources to support autistic people and their families before during and after diagnosis.  

     You may want to visit the other resources on our website, we have advice and guidance on a wide range of information about autism, socialising and relationships, communication and education: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance 

     You can try searching on our Autism Services Directory for diagnostic services in your local area.  The Directory also includes listings for support and social groups for autistic people, their families and friends. 

     I hope you find this helpful.

    Rishma Mod