How I Survived My Panic Attacks
Self-examination is the key
Some time around my late 30s or early 40s I started suffering from panic attacks. My first full blown panic attack happened while working out. I have been athletic all my life but marriage, kids and poor eating habits reeked havoc on my body. During the workout I pushed myself harder than any middle-aged man should have. In my mind I was still the same 20 something that could do anything. I learned the hard way I wasn’t.
As my heart rate climbed I continued pushing thinking no pain no gain. Suddenly I found myself panicked, gasping for air and unable to calm myself down.
Something in my mind told me to run outside in search of fresh air. My body was in full survival/flight mode. My wife remembers me running past her with a look of horror on my face.
My throat and chest tightened. I paced up and down my street until I caught my breath. Was I having a heart attack? I had never experienced anything like this before. In my youth I would tire out but never to the point of panic and fearing for my life…
