Stress and Panic Attack Relief

[MDStudent]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm a first year student and I have been having sudden and random panic attacks throughout the day. Sometimes it prevents me from sleeping at night. Other times the stress is so much that it keeps me from studying and clouds my focus, building to my stress level. I am worried that I have some emotional issues. Is this normal for first year students and is there anything that I can do to get rid of these feelings?

 

[DocVirk]

I'm a first year student and I have been having sudden and random panic attacks throughout the day. Sometimes it prevents me from sleeping at night. Other times the stress is so much that it keeps me from studying and clouds my focus, building to my stress level. I am worried that I have some emotional issues. Is this normal for first year students and is there anything that I can do to get rid of these feelings?

I'm pretty darn sure that's not normal for any student, however, it's not like you're completely psychotic. It really just sounds like you have some sort of anxiety disorder (not that I'm a doctor or anything, just done with psych block)... I would really suggest seeing a psychiatrist, who will probably suggest medication like an SSRI.
What you describe really sounds like panic disorder or something akin to it, and is not "normal". Don't feel like you're crazy or anything. Tons of people go through stuff like this. That's why antidepressants are some of the most prescribed medications in the country. Talk to your dean of students, or your school may have a health and effectiveness counsel, or just go to a psychiatrist. It's really not going to be a huge problem, as long as you get help for it.
Good luck.

 

[DoctorFunk]

Definitely get help with this condition before it becomes something that interferes even more with your life. There are some good treatment options out there for you to explore.

 

[MDStudent]

I want medication to be my last option, as I have been fairly healthy all of my life. I will definitely consult a doctor if this gets worse. However I passed all my exams that I took already while feeling this way, so its not like I am feeling this way all day, its just random, sudden panicking. Are there M1's who have been through medical school who have felt this way in the beginning? Will this subside on its own with increasing confidence? Thanks for your responses.

 

[Dunce]

I want medication to be my last option, as I have been fairly healthy all of my life. I will definitely consult a doctor if this gets worse. However I passed all my exams that I took already while feeling this way, so its not like I am feeling this way all day, its just random, sudden panicking. Are there M1's who have been through medical school who have felt this way in the beginning? Will this subside on its own with increasing confidence? Thanks for your responses.

I can understand not wanting to resort to meds, but your situation is something that does indeed deserve some good advice at the very least . . and by good, I mean professional. Trust me and others out there. Even though you have done alright with your exams, you should still at least entertain the idea of asking for some help.
The feelings you described are not "normal;" however, they are common.
Good luck. Anxiety is a med student's middle name. 🙄

 

[Bertelman]

I would still see a psychiatrist. There are other options that don't include medications. At the least, you should be followed with this condition until it resolves or you get proper treatment.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

I'm a first year student and I have been having sudden and random panic attacks throughout the day. Sometimes it prevents me from sleeping at night. Other times the stress is so much that it keeps me from studying and clouds my focus, building to my stress level. I am worried that I have some emotional issues. Is this normal for first year students and is there anything that I can do to get rid of these feelings?

hey there; I've gone thru this for several years; some far worse than others. I wa sunder the care of a psychiatrist when things are at it's worse. I think the main thing is finding the sourse of your problems and working thru it. I agree that i'd use meds as the last resort. If you've done well on exams and this is caused by stress of med school, then you know you can do it, so RELAX. 👍

 

[aphistis]

Please consult your physician. SDN isn't a resource for soliciting treatment advice.