Anxiety leads to passing out... HELP!!!

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ashpuppy

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ok so for the past few months I have had anxiety attacks that lead to me almost passing out, or passing out. I don't know why this is happening all of a sudden... I'm 22 years old. Is anyone else having this same issue? If so what can I do to relax myself in tough or nerve-racking situations?
 
I would go to a doctor, too.
When I first started having anxiety attacks (years ago)--I would almost pass out, or pass out totally. I got in to a doctor and started on med's and therapy. This helped for me. I am not saying run out and get med's--but definitely make an appt with a doctor.
 
Panic attacks CANNOT cause you to pass out. Fainting is caused by insufficient oxygen getting to the brain due to a drop in blood pressure. You fall to the ground because when you're horizontal, its easier for the heart to get blood to your brain because you're not working against gravity.

During a panic attack, your blood pressure goes UP not DOWN. You also hyperventilate, so you've got plenty of oxygen in your blood.

If you are truly losing consciousness, it is not a panic attack. See a doctor regardless.

This is actually a technique to teach folks suffering from panic attacks that their fears about passing out are unfounded. Its impossible. I've been told this in the past, but I most recently read it in this book:

When Panic Attacks: The New, Drug-Free Anxiety Therapy That Can Change Your Life [Paperback]
David D. Burns M.D. (Author)
 
Alpine is right. I've been suffering from panic disorder for 10 years and I've just decided that it's time to get help so I'm doing my thing with the doctors right now. I have attacks daily and ALWAYS feel like I'm going to pass out...derealization is my main symptom...but I've never fainted in my life.

Passing out is due to a lack of oxygen. During an attack, according to my doctor and every book I've read on the subject, your blood pressure and oxygen intake goes UP during an attack, not down.

My doctor says (books as well) that an anxiety attack will actually prevent you from passing out...not make it happen.
 
Your info makes alot of sense. I haven't fainted in years--still have anxiety attacks, though--now I am curious why I did faint those times.

Anyway, thanks for clearing it up.
 
I dunno I have passed out too from a panic attack. Maybe instead of hyperventalating your holding your breath?? I even went to the hospital after passing out and they told me it was anxiety... So I think it is possible.
 
I guess you have to figure out what is causing it first before you can cure it...that's easier said than done...I have had two anxiety attacks that both happened in crowded grocery stores. I got very cold while sweating badly, everything became too bright and loud, and I nearly passed out. Both times I had to go outside for air. I left my grocery cart and just left. To this day I am not sure why this happened...once recently. Maybe the crowRAB...if this were happening to me often and I was passing out I'd be concerned. I hope a professional can get to the root of your issue.
 
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