Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks: Alison Sommer at TEDxCarletonCollege

Alison Sommer graduated from Carleton with a degree in Asian Studies, and now works as an academic technologist at Macalester College. She believes that awareness is the first step to improving problems within mental health care, and will be speaking about anxiety disorders and panic attacks based on her own constantly evolving understanding of her anxiety disorder, OCD. Alison's greatest loves are her family, hockey and Star Wars.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@Mishy82193]

the scariest part of having a panic or anxiety attack is losing the concept of reality. You're in this whole other world--like prison & you're being trapped & can't escape! Another reason why its hard to come back from one without feeling totally exhausted and crap :/

[@ayushjain9857]

yes.. that soon changed to reality

[@scp--297]

Michelle O Yep. It's annoying.

[@thecraftguy21]

Michelle O I love to hear that this symptoms are normal in anxiety , thank you

[@homiiciidalkiitten6650]

God you got it! So odd like nothing makes sense, like looking at the world from the outside...

[@truth6943]

This made my day ! everything is the same but looks different and feels like a dream

[@Gionacloud]

"If you have anxiety it's not your fault" that is so hard to accept..

[@norkagonzalez3408]

There are many factors in ways to treat anxiety. One resource I discovered which successfully combines these is Kevs Control Plan (google it if you're interested) without a doubt the most useful guide i've seen. Check out the great info .

[@malikurac2836]

There are a few factors in reducing panic attacks quickly . One resource I discovered which successfully combines these is the Trevs panic fixer (google it if you're interested) without a doubt the no.1 resource that I've heard of. look at all the awesome info .

[@rosminantia4612]

There are many factors in natural cures for panic attacks. One plan I discovered which successfully combines these is the Trevs Panic Fixer (google it if you're interested) definately the most helpful plan that I've heard of. Check out all the extraordinary information .

[@luisalfredoacostaurgelles940]

Kudos for the Video clip! Sorry for butting in, I am interested in your initial thoughts. Have you thought about - Patlarny Priceless minutes Principle (do a search on google)? It is a smashing one of a kind guide for curing panic attacks minus the headache. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my mate at last got amazing results with it.

[@gsusmakama]

Excellent Video clip! Forgive me for the intrusion, I would love your opinion. Have you researched - Patlarny Priceless minutes Principle (just google it)? It is a good exclusive product for curing panic attacks without the headache. Ive heard some incredible things about it and my cousin at last got great results with it.

[@Nini_bats]

To everyone watching this video, we can get through this. I believe in you!!

[@shelovebossmanmatt8965]

You to brother

[@ProGamingKingdom]

Yes bro plz

[@JustAlex1994]

It's hard because i use alcohol to get through these feelings of anxiety i get, I'm stuck in a viscous cycle that i can't get out of. Im taking the cowards way out by using substances to cope with the physical symptoms. Can anyone relate on this? I feel totally alcohol dependent

[@tigidankaykoroma2115]

Amen 🙏

[@jaydenhartsock6991]

Absolutely we can! We are strong and nothing stands in our way! 🧘‍♂️💕

[@AllThatKazz]

Anxiety and depression are like two best friends who like to capture and corner a third person and make that person feel like shit. That is the perfect analogy for what it feels like.

[@epage4life]

That is the best description I have ever heard!

[@rizwanadilshad]

Yes true

[@darnellnimarota9218]

what are you gay

[@Archer-1453]

AllThatKazz I've had anxiety since I was really young (I recognised nigh-indulgent picking at my skin and hyper analysation of the smallest things at about 3 or 4) but I never really experienced real depression until the end of my senior year in high school. My fear and self-disparaging mentality drove me to gloss over most of my down feelings, *especially* sadness. But my façade, as honed and well practiced as it was, completely fell apart when I saw my graduation and impending doo-adulthood about 20 paces ahead of my feet. The newness of that despair made it all the more intense and that me even more petrified. My most trusted friends (who also had their own damaging mental disorders) had known they could rely on my stalwart (albeit falsified) character of uniformity and self confidence. But there was a period of about 3 months when even my fiercest of lies couldn't keep my head above water. My grades took a /sharp/ turn at Albuquerque, I became VERY antisocial, and even my best childhood friend couldn't get me back into the swing of things. My very atypical but equally damaging coping mechanisms with depression were going weeks on end without sleep and a severe addiction to caffeine. I was able to keep my body moving and my brain awake so loosely that I only barely remember what was a space of time exactly 6 months ago, in which I became very close with my rpg (role playing, for the layman) friends, began a slow but sure attempt at a relationship, and graduating high school. Before then I'd heard of the legendary "Depression™" but only just that. I'd helped friends, peers, and people who I regarded with disliking even with it but I was always able to keep my own emotions in reign. I've been pretty clear since after graduating, I've found an apartment, roommates, a much better job, and a myriad of emotional crutches in the forms of video games and caffeine free tea. This whole brain thing is difficult but damn if there isn't some respite from it all.

[@Lysm170]

Is it possible to have anxiety and OCD without depression? Also high intensity exercise works tbh

[@rahilshah4296]

I suffer from panic disorder and it is one of the most debilitating illness anyone can have. During an attack my heart pounds I can't breathe and I feel as though I'm loosing my mind.

[@emilyblanzy7426]

Rahil Shah yess same

[@JonScottWontStop]

The left side of my chest goes numb. Then my right eye gets that face numbing tingle in it before it starts to twitch. I’m short of breath and I get really bad hot flash. I feel panic freak out coming on can identify it and it still freaks me out. It’s like I’m two people during the attacks. One of me going through it, the other me trying to identify it and fight it off while trying to remain calm in thought while I physically freak out .. it’s happening daily.. sometimes multiple attacks a day. Everything causes an attack. I’m too full from eating boom attack. I cough funny boom attack. I’m bloated and gassy (a burp that won’t come) and boom it’s an attack. Driving alone boom attack. Sitting on the couch watching tv not a care in the world and all of a sudden I’m out of breath and boom attack. Wtf. I hate this. I’ve had it my entire life but never this only gettting worse. I wake up with anxiety that I may have a panic attack. I fear it and then it manifests and boom panic attack. I feel stuck in some viscous cycle.

[@joep4623]

Exact same way I feel. You are not alone.

[@gucciturtlehead4188]

@@JonScottWontStop See a therapist, you know? Or do some research to help yourself if you haven't already

[@beverlypayne1882]

JOE P I have been trying a program called DARE it’s the only think so far that’s working . Still a struggle but at least I feel like there’s a light!

[@ShafiqulIslamRajshahi]

Panic attacks (or anxiety attacks - the terms are interchangeable) are intense episodes of fear which are so powerful that they trick you into fearing that you are dying, going crazy, about to faint, or losing control of yourself in some vital way. The symptoms of a panic attack feel so powerful and threatening that they convince you that you're in terrible danger.

[@amesailor]

The terms are NOT interchangeable

[@meditations3652]

Well said.

[@samanthafunk8650]

Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are actually two entirely different experiences. Panic attacks occur seemingly out of nowhere, where anxiety attacks have a clear trigger. Panic attacks are sudden, typically short and with intense symptoms. Anxiety attacks are gradual, can be short or long in duration with mild symptoms. I encourage everyone to check out the differences so you can discuss it with your doctors and therapists.

[@taintabird23]

I am not alone.

[@niharikasingh7681]

You are so cute❤️🙂

[@CourBarone]

wow what courage to go through this on stage , thank you

[@dasvinimistry9591]

This is just superb, I been tryin to find out about "anxiety system" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Supreme Panic Magic - (just google it ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my neighbour got excellent success with it.

[@lifemusic1980]

She's a superhero

[@DillonCallaway]

I had a meltdown from chronic stress&sleep deprivation overlapping my anxiety disorders. Nothing but panic attacks all day, every day for an entire month, and I can promise you it's HELL on earth and true suffering, especially the residual anxiety. I'm only 22 years old and have experienced hell-like sensations produced by my own mind. It's sad and frustrating and nobody chooses live like this. The intrusive thoughts of OCD are never ending and only are temporarily hushed by distraction and reassurance.

[@TokyoMusic5]

I can relate. I'm 21 and suffer from generalized anxiety disorder , specifically around intrusive thoughts. I sometimes look back at photos of my 21st bday and think to myself 'if only you knew what type of hell and mental torture awaits you in a few months ' I get so depressed and wish I were normal but self pity inhibits recovery. Never did I imagine my anxiety would get to this point where it's on my mind 24/7 for a month now and I am slowly breaking free from it but it's a long process. I wish you well on your road to recovery.

[@sammyscellojourney3851]

read your post and l know what you are referring to. CBD oil from cannibus, changed my life, it took away the physical symptoms of anxiety and it got me back to sleeping. it looks like it's been a year since your post, so hopefully by now you've found some peace if not try the cbd oil. good luck....

[@ilikeyoghurt1]

I actually cried when you did your reenactment of a panic attack, you described it so well. I had panic attacks when I was young a few times and I wasn't aware of a trigger other than fear of having ANOTHER panic attack that always brought on the next one. I remember the fear attached to explaining to people what had happened. I was so unaware of panic attacks that it wasn't until this year (at 18 years old) that I realised in retrospect what the paralyzing fear had been. No one knew what was wrong with me. My mum dismissed it as an ear infection and probably assumed it was some attention seeking behaviour so found it easy to do so because of my young age. Point is, due to this dismissal I never spoke out about it until over a decade later. Even now I would be afraid to tell my peers about the panic attacks I used to have and the anxiety I suffer from now (which I'm learning to overcome). Anyway, well done for doing this. You are SUPER brave. I felt like you did this more so for other people than yourself. Amazing. :)

[@Hater9001]

I have got to say, I had the exact same reaction at that moment as well. It was powerful and very real. I just recently started experiencing panic attacks - I feel it is a snowball effect, for depression and general anxiety came beforehand. I had only experienced one or two attacks as a child during my early elementary school years but nothing really notable since. Now, after losing work a number of times due to depression and stomach issues tied in with anxiety, and VERY likely having just lost my new job, I've started to develop a massive anxiety surrounding employment specifically. It used to be about school - having ADHD as a cherry topping doesn't exactly help. The stigma attached to MI's such as GAD, panic attacks, depression, ADHD and the like is quite an adverse challenge when colleagues, classmates, friends, parents, other family and teachers either fluff it off as a bump in your road, or worse (and what I seem to often experience) getting guilt tripped or scolded for failures relating directly to the MI/s. I must too thank you, Alison, for putting together a presentation that displays a near perfect representation of what a panic attack is. I hope the continued dialog throughout helped people to understand more - because that dialog isn't available when a panic attack actually happens. The voice disappears, and at least in my case, I'm left alone in a mind of fog trying to grasp on to any concrete, hopefully positive thought or idea or word or... something... but every single time, it just goes and goes until I'm exhausted, flushed, sweating and panting, eyes swollen from the crying and sobbing and throat dry from the uncontrollable hyperventilation. Then that come-down happens, the small moments of clarity and catching your breath and getting... back to earth, back to your body and mind and who you are. Thank you, again, for spreading awareness in such a real, understandable, and for those of us who too suffer, relatable way. I will never forget this, and will use it insistently to show people how debilitating and life-controlling it can truly be.

[@emilyblanzy7426]

Kathryn Francesca ive had panic attacks too and i got upset when i heard it too. its upseting because it takes me back to how i felt during my pacic attacks

[@madisonsullivan8336]

I have 10-12 panic attack a day I hate it

[@harismir4461]

May God Bless you Sis !

[@hamlinn1094]

i've got to say this is extremely relatable. i used to worry a lot about my heart. even though i didnt have any issue, i used to always think abt heart palpitations and eventually i had them. this caused me to worry even more. but now i guess i dont worry too much abt my health, cause its just your mind creating these false symptoms. but i do have anxiety disorders like excessive thinking about my past and about the things happening around the world

[@myfragilelilac]

To all of you out there struggling with anxiety disorders i feel your pain. We fight together. ❤💪

[@TerriIncircles]

I have suffered with a panic anxiety disorder for many years and nobody understands me not my family and I don't even have any friends anymore nobody gets it... I needed this video God bless you it is so nice to know that somebody understands me.. My heart goes out to you...

[@TerriIncircles]

Johnny Smith thank you Johnny. .. ☺

[@kimdomon1962]

you're not alone most of my friends don't even no they just think I'm annoying and needy cause I can't go too many places alone. As I get older it gets worse. I've crawled into myself.

[@JoseRamirez-xs5lq]

Terri Moore I feel your pain my friend .. no one understands the unbelievable hell on earth that we go through when they attack .. but never never lose faith

[@2qwk]

You are not alone

[@taylor8224]

It's so hard when it's a silent illness huh 😪

[@brittneywebb4019]

I cried the whole time you were explaining the panic attack I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. 😭

[@aldeeman3237]

17 and have been having panic attacks since 11.... so good to know there are other people out there and that they understand

[@daadaa6356]

Wow it’s actually amazing to read this. I have panic attacks since I’m 11 too and well I’m 17 and about to turn 18. Idk why I’m writing this but your comment somehow conforted me

[@liz-cf2rv]

I also feel like I'm the only one

[@bryantc7412]

I hope that things are better for you...

[@artisanlocal2881]

As a sufferer of panic disorder and agoraphobia for the last 2yrs. Meds and CBT have started to give me my life back. At my worst point I was unable to go grocery shopping.work. or do any of the things I once enjoyed. I am happy to hear someone try to take the stigma away from mental health issues. I talk to very few people about my panic attacks because I have heard it all. "What do youuu have to be stressed out about. Its all in your head. Be a man and suck it up. You're just being weak.",

[@jamoss9123]

Im 30 and I'm where you were but it's been years Im on medication and have had therapy why won't it go away It rules my whole life

[@mumsiedarkdragon2296]

I started crying watching you reenact the panic attack. That's my life every day. My worst day so far has been 19 in one day. I have a panic disorder. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us all.

[@srilakshmi3637]

take care

[@bandteesnblazers]

Omg I’m crying. I have diagnosed panic disorder and it is so scary every time it happens 😭

[@hackthink3430]

You did a wonderful job on presenting on a topic that is so difficult to talk about out loud. Thanks for making it feel like I am not alone.

[@rizwanadilshad]

True. Very true

[@indudaheriya4394]

I am also in panic disorder..... It also make me to feel that I am not alone.

[@rosebud4467]

I'm just coming down from an attack. It is horrible. You aren't alone. 🤗

[@lukecollings1630]

@@rizwanadilshad j

[@evacado_spam]

When I had an anxiety attack I thought I was going to die and felt like I couldn't breathe. Please know people are there for you

[@pittielove]

That's a pretty accurate representation of a panic attack. Mine are a little different of course, but I haven't seen anyone show it quite like that before. I agree that there needs to be more awareness of anxiety disorders. I never speak about mine, because I can't handle it when people think a panic attack is just being worried about whether I left the stove on or not.

[@bondpaz]

I’m 55. You just described exactly what has happened to me my whole life! I guess I am not alone after all.

[@melissaherrera3868]

During a panic attack I lay down and cry. I can't live alike this anymore. It's taking a toll. I need to step up and help myself. I need to take action

[@vincehyped5001]

Yes we can all do this! You are not alone. I go through panic attacks every other year. We can do it!

[@Russy357]

Hey, from someone also going through it I completely understand. You’ve got this. One step at a time, we will be okay 💪🏻 keep going

[@ulyssesd9896]

I been diagnosed with Panic Disorder two years ago.If anyone got anxiety seeing and listening to this, slower the speed down a bit. It worked for me. Thank you Alison

[@nailan.9749]

Brought tears to my eyes..

[@alondralima9442]

Yup I remember all of it . 😩 it was high stress cheating ex bf and being scared shitless. I'm better now but dam my hormones and the stress made me crazy. 😩

[@juliereigns1746]

The scariest part of her panic attacks are those suicidal thoughts. I had attacks for a while and cured it through a few therapy sessions, never took medication. Now when I feel them coming I know to stop, breathe, and take my thoughts to a better place.we all have choices and choosing how to analyze feelings is one of them, feelings sometimes are not the truth.

[@desiq1167]

anxiety attacks feels like a heart attacks. that hurts

[@33Crazydude]

Is there anyone here who's had large bouts of anxiety that lasts for hours and hours until the next day and not slept a wink. This has happened to me from time to time. Sometimes my anxiety kicks in and don’t know what the hell it is that’s triggered it?

[@chasemuratore6725]

I've had episodes not as long as you're describing, but very intense. Everyone's trigger is different. I've gotten them just sitting on the couch watching tv, out of now where I get a pain in my stomach, go into sweats and feel like i'm having a heart attack. I've changed my diet, been more active, and that has helped. Deep breathing into the belly help, but the thoughts are pretty intense. Thinking about being stuck in the emotion for eternity is the biggest fear for me. Understanding more helps, the feelings and thoughts are pretty crazy, writing them down helps to look back and see how irrational they are. I hope this new year is a happier and healthier one for you and your family. You can get through it, and whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

[@33Crazydude]

Chase Muratore I agree with your idea about writing your anxiety situations down and it seems you have learnt how to use your rational brain to overcome your emotions. With regard to my emotional problems, I think my anxiety comes from two sources, the unforeseen circumstances of the future and the need to stay in my comfort zone, but the second source is rumination and constantly reflecting past events in my head like a tape rewinding itself. I have this annoying habit of overanalyzing things and particularly inconsequential things. However, I have learnt ways to overcome irrational emotions by applying logic and reason. Like you said, we can only get stronger and wiser with time.

[@Rozrr]

Yes, I can't eat, sleep or go out. I just go to bed and lie there until it lessens... I can wake in the night with it, or still have it in the morning... Right now it is Monday 12th January 2015, I haven't eaten since yesterday lunchtime... Tried a few things but the nausea kicks in and makes it worse... This clip is pretty much me...

[@chasemuratore6725]

I heard a few great anologies recently. #1 the mind is the kite and your breath is the string. To Control the kite control the string. #2 Every thought you have is a question. If you disagree with that, how did you come up with that answer? #3 your Brian is a muscle with one function... to constantly seek out answers, ask and ye shall... but the quality of your questions dictate your answers. If you ask why is this happening to me, what is this, am I going to die? You're brain gives you every scenario known to man... change your questions change your reality. Your heart/soul your true self, your spirit, is who you really are and more powerful than any thought

[@alaminhabib1602]

33Crazydude I have enduring a tension and fit of anxiety syndrom since a few years prior, and I discovered numerous self improvement guides to overcome nervousness assault. Base on my companion exhortation, we chose to pick the gretest methode by writing Easy Relax Perfecta Solution on web index. The deciding result had been incredible when I got my frenzy assault ceased. I discovered a complete parcel of diverse technique for self improvement by doing a touch of unwinding

[@marley.hendrix]

For YEARS I self medicated with various opiates: vicodin, morphine, codeine, oxycontin hell, anything I could either get prescribed or buy. I am not going to lie, I will always love the feeling of a safe calm and sense of control I finally had...until I ran out of meds (and I always ran out). I hated being alone with my thoughts, my doubts and fear. My control was non existent. My stomach was up in knots AND on top of all of that I went through physical withdrawals from my dependence on the pills. It was a vicious cycle: I need pills to cope, I need to cope to make money, I need money for pills. That went on until I found this channel. Hearing stories from people who struggled with the same problems, in a way, made me feel better. Hearing that I wasnt alone in my addiction, my anxiety, my depression gave a sense of freedom. Finally hearing the success stories of people overcoming life's obstacles gave me hope. Hearing that fear can be a good thing, often not, its what helps us as humans survive and thrive. And I also learned to face my problems head on and resolve them (in baby steps) rather than sweep them under the rug with pills and hope the problems go away. I reclaimed my life rather than life claiming me. To any one currently struggling with life, be thankful for the life you have, right now, in this very moment. You still have a chance at ANYTHING if youre still alive and breathing. You have to realize how limitless your possibilities are.

[@clinically.clumsy]

Years ago, I showed this clip to my parents, (I must have been 15 at the time), and told them this is how it feels! The panic attacks and the fears, constant worrying. I had never seen something capture so perfectly how I felt in those moments. When they saw this, I think they understood, as did I, that I needed help. So, they took me to the doctor after years of me trying to express how I felt. But I was unable to. I was too deep in my mental illness to really express to them how bad it was. And when I did tell them, I think they thought it wasn't a big deal or not clinical, but when I showed them this video, they couldn't say it wasn't a big deal anymore. When I went to the doctor, she recommended a psychiatrist and a therapist. When I got to therapy, my therapist told me I needed to go to a psychiatric hospital for an eating disorder. If I hadn't gone to therapy, I wouldn't have gotten to the hospital, and I would have died. All that to say, this video helped me get started on my mental health journey. In a way, it was the beginning. I want to say thank you for sharing your story. I want to tell you that it has made a huge positive impact on my life and now, I'm following my treatment plan and doing much better than all those years ago. I even go back to the hospital I was treated in and speak to patients and their families. Hopefully, I'm making a similar impact as you are. I hope you are doing well and again, thank you for being so brave.

[@shridharabhathmshridhara207]

1)feeling low all the day 2) less motivated 3) fatigue 4) lack of focuse 5) worries based on nothing 6)trapped in irritative thought -->physical pain --->anxiety attack 😤😤

[@sundewfundew]

I have bipolar/paranoid schizoaffective. When I go into a manic phase, My paranoia and intrusive thoughts get terrible and then it's constant panic attacks until I crash back into the depressive phase. I really don't think someone who's never experienced a panic attack can comprehend it. They don't really understand the gravity of the situation. I can't stand when someone says that there's nothing to be upset about during an attack. There doesn't need to be an environmental reason. I'm really grateful that there are people like you out there to educate the masses. You're really brave for coming out and sharing your experiences. Thank you.

[@bryantc7412]

I hope your better now.

[@nirmolchowdhury4541]

As a sufferer of panic disorder and agoraphobia for the last 2yrs. I am happy to hear someone try to take the stigma away from mental health issues.It's so helpful video.

[@ashleymarie6296]

so do I. I wish someone would talk about agoraphobia specifically.

[@goodvibesotg]

My worst panic attack was when I was out with people who never been around someone who has/had a panic attack before. I looked like a crazy person who was having a drunken mental breakdown. I was mentally trying to calm myself down, but it wasn't working, I felt like I was having a heart attack and dying. It was so horrible, out of no where. I had to walk outside, it was bad. My other worst one would be, when I'm sleeping and I wake up feeling like I'm dying. Those are scary as hell. I get them every now and then. But I agree, blogging is my therapy, until I actually go to the doctor.

[@lohitnagar5700]

I suffer from the exact same thing, I wake up panicked and I run like crazy across the room, trying to calm myself down. I had a ct brain scan done, but the problem is psychological. To this day, doctors say that its just a panic attack, but when it happens, I feel like I'm dying.

[@isaacwanyonyi532]

I'm researching ways to treat anxiety and found an awesome resource at Kevs Control Plan (look it up on google)

[@sadiyaafshanafshan6420]

Natalie Holland how r u now

[@indudaheriya4394]

Same feelings with me........

[@vanessa000fly]

a panic attack for me is when I can feel my heart really loud and I become numb and paralyzed. noises become like background sounds and I can't focus on anything but me. I can't feel my hands anymore they get really numb. I start thinking I'm going insane, I'm not in my body. when I try to speak only a few words come out or even none. when I try to walk it's just not happening and I will retreat to my room. laying down, eyes closed and deep breath. in, out. in, out. I have heat flashes and I feel like I am dyinh

[@autumnleavestowinter]

Asepticbich I know exactly how you feel.... you explained it very well. I guess, what I can say, for now at least is, we are strong, because everytime, we do get through it, we do survive, we don't think that we will whatsoever, but we do..... Thank you so much for sharing.

[@foxtato2729]

Asepticbich i have the very same thing. At first i thought im dying or being possess. I also feel tingling sensation all over my body

[@autumnleavestowinter]

Asepticbich i have the very same thing. At first i thought im dying or being possess. I also feel tingling sensation all over my body I also feel the exact same things to further explain the Body Sensations I would say tingling,,,. It sounds like my equilibrium is off vertigo or something it scared the living crap out of me every single time! I never get used to it I was on medication for 15 years of my life which kept the panic each day. I live a semi-normal life on this medication. About two and a half or 3 years ago the new doctors decided that the medication was terrible for me and wind me off a high dosage of benzodiazepines in about 2 month Period time ( other doctors have told me that it should have been a taper down over a one-year or two-year time frame and very slowly. With the sudden drop the medication down to zero medication my life became so let's say not alive I don't leave my house I'm comfortable in my own skin I don't spend time with my son I have no friends I hear everything my body feels like I'm going to die or blow up all the time and no matter how much eye doctor certain group of doctors, we'll just say that the medication is addictive so that's bad for you and if used for a period of over six weeks and large doses it can cause permanent memory loss well 15 years I think I don't know I forgot I don't remember laugh out loud anyways my point being on this if I'm addicted to medication but I'm able to live my life well then so be it..... everything can't be a peachy. But what's the point in not being addicted to medication live in this world?

[@hey_itzz_mee.]

Vanessa Élizabeth same thing happen with me 😢

[@emilybrown2611]

Vanessa Élizabeth my panic attacks feel almost the exact same way. It's like the entire world disappears and your just stuck waiting for them to end.

[@ziarulislam]

As a sufferer of panic disorder and agoraphobia for the last 2yrs. Meds and CBT have started to give me my life back. At my worst point I was unable to go grocery shopping.work. or do any of the things I once enjoyed. I am happy to hear someone try to take the stigma away from mental health issues. I talk to very few people about my panic attacks because I have heard it all. "What do youuu have to be stressed out about. Its all in your head. Be a man and suck it up. You're just being weak."--------,

[@Cdawg_]

Im going through that right now. I don’t feel doing anything and I feel like I’m dying everyday with bad thoughts . What meds did you use and did it really work for you?

[@neaveguest23]

The explanation of a panic attack is the most accurate I've ever seen/heard

[@romyellie19]

I have panic attacks now,I'm only 15, but I'm glad I'm aware, the panic attack was shown so well, I'm glad someone understands what it's like to go day in and day out feeling like an outcast because no one gets how you feel, I truly appreciate this video :) it helped so much

[@JulietteZephyr]

There is no shame in seeking help.

[@robertellis1281]

Romy Austin ------- Romy, God / Jesus loves you ------- i had panic attacks very bad for over 7 years every day and night ----- then asked God / Jesus into my life and He took that fear totally away ----may you have eyes to see and ears to hear the truth and know the peace that surpasses all understanding , may you know the height, width, and depth of Gods Love for you. bless you with Peace

[@meganfahrenschon9322]

Panic attacks are honestly awful, especially when dealing with anxiety and depression at once. While they haven't been as frequent for me anymore (thanks to medication and cognitive therapy), I used to get them constantly at work. First it forms like a lump in my throat and I start gagging, but never actually vomit. My hands tremble and my limbs become lethargic, but my mind is screaming to move faster, I'm falling behind, and I start to forget simple things. I rub my neck as I'm breathing fast and shallow. My heart races, outside noises are suddenly obnoxiously loud, and I'm dizzy and nauseous. Failure, regret, self harm, fear, judgement, and weakness swarm my mind. I just want to faint and be saved, but I avoid being seen by people. By the end I'm numb and exhausted because my anxiety has spent all my energy and I just don't care anymore. And when I sense someone is near, the attack turns into irritability or vanishes, so all I look like on the outside is somewhat stressed and snappy (but inside I'm shrieking and hoping I'll throw up or bash my head on something). So watching her reenactment of an attack really hits home and I applaud her for displaying it so vividly and genuinely.

[@IKILLEDXIX]

I was playing with my hands and trying to steady my breathing when she started to reinact it. Might just be for me, but panic attacks (especially very severe or memerable ones, like your first one for example) are a little bit of trauma in a bundle. Each panic attack adds to that trauma, and the acting of her doing that brought back that trauma. Strange things ,strange times. Just seeing if I can survive 2 months til CBT 🙂Anyways, hope your doing alright friend and your dealing with it better. Keep up and good job and im proud of you!! :)

[@zayrouse6572]

I was trying my best not to cry during the reenactment of a panic attack because I know how it feels. I was at Six Flags with my high school chorus group when it happened right in the middle of the park! I deeply thank my chorus teacher Ms. Bryant for sitting next to me the whole time I was calming down. Words cannot express how scary that moment was for me, it felt as if I was having a seizure.

[@burrochapadogrl]

had a panic attack. the heart pounds and you feel like the blood kinda alot of body and your chest hurts like someone is stabbing it. it's not fun. nothing fun about it. it was one of the scarest moments.

[@musicalconnie6216]

I thought I was having a heart attack the first time it happened :( My whole body was vibrating because my heartbeat was so strong and my chest felt tight and I couldn't breathe properly

[@burrochapadogrl]

+MusicalConnie yeah that's alot like mine

[@senpaimoist1517]

exactly

[@jovanirodriguez7357]

@@hxcmo ive been having them daily too mostly at night right before bed ive done quite a lot of research and it seems like there is no cure only treatment to try and minimize them or make then less frequent ive changed my diet life style everything about my self amd still nothing im only 27 and i feel like i cant do this for the rest of my life im sorry youre going thru this and i hope you can find peace somehow

[@purplerainDNA]

i was always positive about beating anxiety and my panic disorder but lately i feel so weak and worn out, this video gave me hope again, thank you

[@ifiok25]

Wow Alison. I loved the illustration of a panic attack. It was pretty emotional just to watch.

[@ikgamers329]

Only those who faced panic attack ,,can only understand how hard it is .and the hardest is whan you don't know about it😓

[@emilybrown2611]

As someone who has had 9+ panic attacks and has general anxiety disorder, there are not enough words to fully explain what it is like to live with these disorders. Regardless, she has done a very good job of trying to explain it.

[@heywedge5726]

So much courage on her level to act out this way and really show the true deep depths of a person with panic and anxiety

[@cringefest7351]

Anxiety, to me, is like having dinner with an abusive ex. On the other side of the table, they’re constantly yelling hurtful things at me while I feel like I can do nothing but sit there and take it. Anxiety just wants me to feel miserable, telling me lies that I’m forced to believe. I feel entirely helpless, which makes it worse with the anxiety and panic attacks. Its still hard to believe that it isn’t my fault that I’m fighting an Anxiety Disorder. I still feel like I could’ve stopped this earlier. It’s hard to always feel “fine”, when you realize that you’re fighting a constant, mental battle.

[@rkless_jayirl13]

I'm new to all of this. My gf has bpd and anxiety. She had an attack yesterday and i had no idea what to do 🥺😔. Learning every day.

[@SpewinKindness]

That reenactment...I felt it almost, I cant explain clearly - it brought back the shivers from a few hours ago but was also refreshing in a way that someone else understands it to that level, portrayed it on stage so clearly to people and shared the awareness to the world.

[@Sam-ue4rv]

It's the worse feeling anyone can have.. its like a glimpse into a painful excruciating tortorous slow violent death..

[@khaledn6466]

I suffer from anxiety disorder and the way you acted is exactly how I have felt and how I get. Thank you for spreading awareness gosh girly you made me 😭

[@eddyviolet9422]

Your delivery in this talk was really freaking good.

[@diananicholson4206]

I got diagnosed with SAD about a month ago. I had always been an extremely shy child and hated social situations. But I could live. Then sometime over the summer my anxiety skyrocketed. It was terrible. I always though it had something to do with my grandpas death (June 8th 2015) because it started around then. But this video made me remember that I had gotten a concussion a few weeks before he passed. I was going to fast downhill on my longboard and lost control. My head bounced off the pavement. I couldn't see properly. Couldn't hear properly. Was so dizzy. It was really scary. No helmet of course. Makes me think that it could have worsened my anxiety.

[@rachelmaria275]

The way she described the panic attack made me realize for the first time that I actually do experience them. This TedTalk made me feel very seen.

[@panicattackmark9236]

She is correct, alot of the time you feel completely alone with this condition so it's nice to see others who can relate to the balance of depression and anxiety together, it sucks!

[@Kimmehface]

The worst one I had made my arms and legs go numb and then there was a shooting electric shock feeling that started in my limbs and spread towards the center of my body! I didn't know what was going on- It sucked. Thanks for talking about this.

[@marychelmadriaga7463]

Its not easy..had panic attack today @3am..i really thought its the end....EVERYTIME...HOPE AND PRAY TO FINALLY BE FREE FROM PANIC ATTACK

[@popacap21]

please guys help me has anyone with a panic attack ever had shivers and almost cried? i litterally just had the worst panic attack of my life about 30 min ago and im finally just starting to feel calm

[@hypergal8]

Yup, that's what mine are like. You're not alone ❤️

[@nikhilrana3235]

Cheers for the Video! Forgive me for butting in, I would appreciate your opinion. Have you tried - Supreme Panic Magic (do a search on google)? It is a good exclusive product for Stopping Panic Attacks minus the hard work. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my cooworker at very last got cool results with it.

[@scoutmramy]

I've had panic episodes like that. it's pretty normal for anyone with a panic disorder.

[@saracullens1694]

popacap21 Yes. I usually do cry. And I stutter and hyperventilate terribly. You're not alone.

[@xBeluuuuuux]

it is all a part of the same thing, it is normal. Nothing will happen, think of the science behind the symptom 😊

[@freakette555]

I really loved this video because it lets me see real life examples of other people who have panic attacks and can live through them.

[@doubleroti4672]

At around 5 minutes when you started acting out a panic attack it felt so real and it felt like you understood so deeply and you did a very good job. I got chills. It made me cry. I’ve lived with them for yearsssss probably about 8 years or so and have been 98% anxiety free by surrounding myself with positivity and watching videos and taking to people who have overcome or are peaceful. I watch people like Dr. Joe Dispenza, Tony Robbins and Dr Bruce Lipton. Some to gain knowledge and learn to overcome these feelings and negate them with positive ones every time. You do it long enough and you make it a habit and change that autopilot you’re on. Of course this worked for me and some others I’ve helped as well

[@noelmaskii25]

Thank you for sharing, I have been going through this, and I can't explain myself to anybody what's happening to me, this is comforting to know that I am not alone.

[@Bufordsgem]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I suffer too, and all though it is in a slightly different capacity, you are basically telling my story. It does my heart good to hear someone speak to the importance of talking about our experiences rather than giving in to senseless shaming and bottling it up. Consider me part of you support structure.

[@silver292]

Had my first panic attack 2 weeks ago. Woke up in the middle of the night totally on edge, breathless and light headed. I had to wake my wife up and ask her to tell me everything was going to be ok. Was horrible. Have had 2 more since then. Feel like I can't get enough air in, need to work really intentionally not to hyperventelate. Going to the doctor soon. Never faced this before so it's very frustrating.

[@MrFlamingpride]

I remember having panic attacks so severe that I would curl up into the fetal position on the sidewalk while I was walking from school. I think only one or two people came to see if I was ok. The rest either stared or walked on. It's good to see that even though panic attacks can be different for people, we all share a very similar struggle.

[@kaylaallen5903]

this video is inspiring. I recently came out about my GAD and depression and got encouragement to write my english paper on my anxiety and it was the most helpful and amazing papers i have ever written. It was hard to talk about but seeing people like you helped give me the courage. I am using your video in my class for my presentation because your video is touching to me. Thank you.

[@luizag123]

thank you so much! your video makes me feel alot less alone. we always tend to think our p.a. are worse and different than everyone elses, but the truth is we can and should unite in this fight!

[@abberzbaybee]

I have debilitating anxiety. Social, situational, and obsessive compulsive disorder. I have severe panic attacks that are sometimes gone in minutes and sometimes go in loops for days. I describe it as "My panic attacks give me panic attacks". When she said "it's not your fault" I literally burst into tears. Because that's exactly what it feels like. It feels like everything that's wrong in the world is somehow all ur fault. Thank you for saying it's not your fault. You're an incredible person.

[@PanicAttackRecovery]

Thank you for sharing your experience with anxiety and panic attacks. As you point out, anxiety disorders are quite common. Thank you for bringing attention to this issue and mental health in general.

[@100musicplaylists3]

A really great way to overcome a panic attack is to re frame the perceived threat from fear into excitement both of these emotions are so similar that the brain is easily fooled into releasing positive hormones that help overcome the panic attack.

[@nilestalbot1020]

I've been getting bad panic attacks lately. My muscles feel like they're locked, my body shakes, I dry heave, and a thousand thoughts race through my head

[@cjwise5552]

I’m 27 and had my first panic attack 4 months ago. I’ve never been an anxious person, though I’ve always been a worrier. Still struggling to keep my anxiety under control. I have anxiety about my anxiety, and that has been the hardest thing to conquer

[@entertainment.5146]

Bro we will be better soon..... Keep fighting you are not alone

[@cjwise5552]

@@entertainment.5146 you’re right man. Have to keep it positive. Thanks for the positivity today. We’ll get better. You aren’t alone either

[@freetruth9762]

I can feel that so powerful! I suffer from a head trauma this has basically given me a full range of Mental differences from the normal. I could say disabled but I feel that is a derogatory tainted word, I just see the world in a different perspective. I thought you were very brave to simulate a panic attack, for me the simulation would have spun out of control and I would have broken right there! Thank you for the talk and you are right awareness is the key to understanding.

[@lp-qr6lb]

This is a very good display of what anxiety is. This is what I experience. Thanks for this talk.

[@Alicia-K]

I'm so grateful for this. Since having some major health issues and surgery last year, I have been having moments of those random rises of anxiety. I haven't gotten to a full blown panic attack, but could so identify what she was going through as it was mounting. It was like watching myself. I thought I was going crazy. Now I know my nerves are just on edge post-surgery.

[@DavidHill333]

Well said. Welcome to a large part of the human race. Most keep this disorder a painful secret and suffer in silence, this includes depression.

[@Ten-ol7nc]

Why people suffer in silence?

[@shashipal1447]

I am fine

[@cookiecravingperson]

What a beautiful, brave presentation. Thank you. I see this video was made several years ago. I hope you now feel more ease and are feeling a lot better. I pray for myself and anyone else here watching that we experience amazing healing, bigger and sooner than we could even expect. Amen, Aho, and so it is.

[@eliasclau]

I cried with your explanation. Going thru this right now. Thanks for this ❤️ trying to go back to my normal life

[@matthewroper9972]

What great courage to speak about Anxiety. I suffer from anxiety and an tell you at times it is quite debilitating. Again thank you for posting this, such a wonderful talk.

[@isaacbatistaable]

When she detailed how she get worried about her past and future and how it made her angry at everybody... And then realising that she had a problem and thinking about it just made her worse... I saw myself in her words. I just feel like her. It is exactly how my days have been. Knowing that i should not be angry or not to worry makes me worry eveb more.

[@239ollie]

‘Not to have a panic attack on stage’ I felt this one

[@Ten-ol7nc]

Videos like these are empowering and feels like I’m going to be fine now onwards. But the scariest part for me is when the next episode hits, I forget all the comforts that I received from watching videos and countless research that I did. All those valuable tips that I learned doesn’t seem to work because I simply have forgotten everything. I think and I believe retaining valuable information is important. And it happens by practicing it even when you are normal. Sadly, I haven’t done that so far. I’m going to work hard on it moving forward. Thank you for sharing this beautiful video. Will pray for everyone to be happy and strong again. We are all together in this big boat. Namaste and feel okay.

[@DarkRelm22]

Thank You For Showing Everyone Else What We Go Through! -Someone with Anxiety

[@DeezTuck78]

Thank you for this. I hope you find a way for them to go away forever. Me too.

[@avalapple9027]

Her version of a panic attack WAS SPOT ON I’m sooo happy you made this video I feel a lot more like not alone

[@mowtf13]

I'm so glad that this topic finally appeared on TED. You're not alone and I hope it gets better for you everyday. The most important thing is to never give up. Face a little bit of fear everyday and be brave. I know I'm trying. I'm sure it will be worth it

[@Taiphen]

Thanks for sharing your words! just yesterday I tried to prevent a panic attack from creeping up on me at work. my boss didn't even looked at me when I explained and literally said she didn't care if I would have a panic attack right there. I know... I work at a really shitty place...

[@kristynanavratilova2059]

That was a really good manifestation of a panic attack. For me It feels like I’m having claustrophobia in my own body and I just need to run, leave the room. I am glad you speak so openly about it, it took me several years until I spoke about it, I didn’t even know what to call it and I was afraid that people would think I’m crazy . I am always afraid of those places you can’t run from easily. It’s so good to know I’m not in this alone :)

[@raginalicious9978]

Kristýna Navrátilová claustrophobia in your body that is one of the best descriptions I have heard of what it feels like when I have one. It’s so scary every time, I know what is happening but I feel like I am dying every time. It’s so scary

[@standupp698]

I have never seen someone demonstrate the panic attack like this. It was so good that I felt it and had to pause it for a few minutes. I sent this to my partner as he doesn’t understand what I need when the panic happens or why I can’t speak to him during an attack. Thank you.

[@jeffreyash3802]

How moving. It brought tears

[@karenrueger7074]

Wow you just described my daughter from the tingling in her head to thinking she's having seizures to not being able to speak during an attack. I was just diagnosed yesterday myself, with panic disorder for 5 years I thought I was having heart issues. Now I have to relearn everything that me and my daughter have already gone through for her but for myself now. Thank you for sharing your story I've already forward this video to my daughter. ️ ❤️

[@pezeron24]

Great talk! Love you for being so genuine and open.

[@colliniccutram9892]

That was awesome. Perfect demonstration of a panic attack and the feeling that come after.

[@showoflifewithnoelandchasi9687]

Wow! The best description of a panic attack I've ever seen. I wish I could have seen this sooner so I could have MAYBE prevented where I am at now. HOWEVER, better late than never and I am in the right direction now in all areas of my life including dealing with anxiety! Thank God for always keeping me in the right direction to get where I am at now.

[@eglecerskyte3499]

Anxiety one of the few that can take you and start to be in charge of you.It’s hard .I know that feeling.when you feel confused,fast heart beat,tightness in my chest.but I really learned by support and your own acceptance helped me to come out.

[@user-mp7fo2qg8g]

Thank you so much! Your very real demonstration of what a panic attack looks like gave me a very empathetic view of others in your situation. It was a learning moment that I will remember for the rest of my life.

[@susanpowell5006]

Thank you so much for your dramatic demonstration that just showed me what I have lived with on and off for years which I haven’t really recognised. 👍🏽

[@piyorin_kutta]

I've been suffering from Social Anxiety disorder for 4 years, since I was high-school student. Because I'm Japanese, I feel frustrated that I can't full understand this speech. I've wanted more knowledge about it and to listen to words of other SAD and SD persons, so I find this movie. I think it was very hard for her to stand and speech in front of many people and cameras. I feel like I could cry. I got courage from her. I want to be better, fine, and sociable. Thank you for standing there, Alison. From 4 years later, Hina.　四年後から、雛より。

[@jennamyers5649]

So true. I have panic attacks all the time. I’m so tired of it.

[@jennifereckel]

I also suffer from anxiety/depression and panic disorder as well as PTSD which makes it worse and I completely respect the fact that she got on stage in front of millions of people to give this presentation. I love how she acted out what a panic attack is like for us. Nobody seems to understand when you try to explain one. It feels like you're dying and there's no way out. I understand her feeling like she just wants to die in order to put an end to it, yet not being suicidal. What a great presentation. I am glad there are others out there who are willing to share their panic attack and anxiety experiences and who can be there for each other, like the comments that I'm reading under this TED talk. Lets all hope we can stop the panic someday and live normal lives like we used to.

[@amandabuchanan3754]

Thank u so much and you are so brave. Thank u for bringing awareness to this horrible horrifying phenomenon

[@Banana00012]

I had my first panic attack when i was only 15. I grew up in a very abusive environment and because of that i developed a lot of trauma. I already come to terms with the past but my body just doesn't cooperate with me. I got rid of it for some time but then it came back when i found out i had ovarian cancer. I was only 18 when i found that out. When i was having my chemo theraphy, everything took a downfall. Chemo makes your brain foggy and everything, i had severe depression and panic attacks. I couldn't sleep a wink when i needed it the most. I had severe insomnia. I couldn't drink any of the medications like xanor because I'm too afraid that it could mess up the chemo. It's ironic because i was so depressed that i wanted to just be gone but panic attacks makes me so afraid to die. I don't know how i even survived that phase. I developed a panic disorder because of what happened. It got worse over time, like every single thing i do triggers my panic attack. Right now, i notice when i do maladaptive day dreaming as an escape to the fear, it triggers my panic attack. Most especially When I'm tired or stressed out. Full blown panic attack it is. It starts off as a tired feeling. I begin to feel nausea and diarrhea, my heart starts pounding hard and quite fast, and i begin to feel dizzy and paralyzed for some unknown reason. I also feel super sleepy. But when i have a full blown attack, it's much worse. I literally collapse and i couldn't move a finger i can't even talk and i stutter when i do force it. It's too weird. And i also developed a panic attack even when I'm sleeping. Imagine sleeping, and tgen just waking up with a pounding heart and you couldn't breathe. It was a terrifying experience i would never wanna experience again. I feel so helpless, everything i do seems to trigger an attack. I can't be out at night because it's usually when it happens. If i overeat, boom. Panic attack. If i went to the mall or a crowded place, boom panic attack. When i hear something loud, or when the weather is cold, boom. Panic attack. I'm so frustrated with myself. I can't do anything by myself. I'm terrible to be around, i feel like a burden around people. I just wanna live my life the way that i want to but this damn panic disorder is keeping me locked in. No one in my family or friends understands how much suffering I'm in. No one seems to even try to understand that this isn't something i make up. 😢😢😢 I wish everyone of us who suffers with panic disorder gets to at least conquer all the physical symptoms we have 😢