Are panic attacks common after the loss of a loved one?

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   CraftytotheCoreposted 11 years ago

   Are panic attacks common after the loss of a loved one?
   
   Last week was my grandfather's funeral.  It took a few days to overcome the feeling of deep sadness.  Then I felt back to normal again this past weekend.  Yesterday though I thought I was going to have a heart attack.  I had chest pain, and then a panic attack.  I never felt this way before.  I am just wondering if this is something experienced after the loss of a loved one?

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   The Examiner-1posted 11 years ago

   Yes, panic attacks and various things are common. So are heart attacks. Was the pain on the left or near the center?

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      CraftytotheCoreposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hello!  It was in the center of my chest.  It's gone today, but it came on quite suddenly.  I felt almost like I had a palpitation and then I went into a panic state.  It was very scary.  My heart was racing, my mind was racing.  Thank you.

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      The Examiner-1posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I would check with your doctor to be sure if it comes back. Especially if you feel anything in your left arm. The doctor can narrow it down as to what it was.

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   mbwalzposted 11 years ago

   They certainly can be as the stress raises several chemicals and hormones in our bodies and create quite an imbalance. I would certainly, however, ask your health care provider about it. It's also good to give yourself some YOU time to help recover, even if it's just choosing music you love and listening to it for 20 mins, exercising, or meditation. Don't be afraid to let the grief out or see a professional that can help with that.

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      CraftytotheCoreposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you!  Yes, I have not had much me time since my grandfather's passing.  The children have no school today because of snow, and I'm finding it very difficult to concentrate on anything.  Loud noises are making me feel on edge.

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      mbwalzposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Most likely your cortisol is pumping out as if you were being chased by a great woolly mammoth!  That and perhaps some of the women's hormones can make you feel anxious. Hoping the kids quiet down a bit and let you relax!

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      lambservantposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      mbwaiz, your last sentence reminds me that grief is a normal response to loss. Stifling it will catch up to you at some point. Society tells us we must get over it ASAP. There is not timetable for grief and it's an acceptable, healthy thing to grieve

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      CraftytotheCoreposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I don't remember feeling like this when my grandmother passed away, and I lost her suddenly.  She had been sick for years, but not dying.  We knew my grandfather was in failing health due to cancer.  He was a significant loss to our lives.

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   Tom Mukasaposted 11 years ago

   Yes panic attacks happen immediately after a loved ones death. Usually the trigger is a person who may have resembled the late or going over familiar events. But that is not the only story. There are many things you shut out when you are in the denial stage. Not only do you want to shut out pain from within but also from without. One such pain from without is to see a loved one debilitated. In your case it was the granpa (I only got to know this is how Americans say it). Then you also shut out such pains that would have been easily felt. Like when your toe hits that corner of the cabinet. Or as you were passing that tree, a twig scratched you. You may have ignored all these. Once you accepted and let go, the triggers come alive. the body is an enigma.

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      CraftytotheCoreposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That explains it very well Tom!  At first I felt at peace when he passed.  A few days later, I was angry.  Then I was deeply saddened.  I guess those are the normal parts of grieving.  He was my father.  Bio grandpa, but he adopted me at a young age.

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   bethperryposted 11 years ago

   Crafty, I have heard of it happening to several folks after the loss of a loved one. However, I would suggest if it continues you see a physician to be on the safe side. And my sincere condolences on your loss. Hugs!

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      CraftytotheCoreposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much Beth!  I had a better day today.  No panic feeling or chest pains at all.  I'm hoping it was a one-time occurrence.

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   lambservantposted 11 years ago

   They can happen for any variety of stressors. I have conquored them.  On the rare occasion that I have one I ride it through knowing I will survive as I always have. You have a lot on your plate. I am right now thinking of the hymn Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of the earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.
   
   2 Cor. 4:16-17 to meditate on. My life verse.
   
   Love and hugs,
   
   Lori

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      CraftytotheCoreposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much Lori!  I was so surprised at how hard my grandfather's death hit me last week.  I wasn't expecting to grieve him so deeply as I did after the funeral.  The day he died I felt so much at peace that his suffering was over.

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   CrisSpposted 11 years ago

   Crafty, sorry to hear about your loss...I wasn't aware until now. Yes, you may be experiencing panic attack because of your current situation. Please note that panic attacks can lead to panic disorder and other problems. It is strongly recommended that you go see a professional for that matter.  Take care.

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      CraftytotheCoreposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you CrisSp.  I felt much better today.  The children played in the snow because school was cancelled.  The beautiful snowflakes were so peaceful.  Hopefully I won't experience those panic feelings again.  It was horrible.

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