I had my very first panic attack last week while playing WoW. Came out of nowhere, at the age of 41. I was just flying around farming herbs when it hit me. Now it’s been hitting me almost every night since then.
- The room felt like it was too small and I just needed to go out and get fresh air
- felt like dying. Afraid of dying.
- dizzy
- feeling scared over minor things
- Felt like I needed to do something to forget the feeling
- Emotions amplified. Can’t watch a movie because of it. The emotions it gives me is too much.
- Fear of the feeling coming back.
- Feels like I feel better if I’m on the computer chair, but not on the recliner, where I sit most of the time
12 Likes
No, but that sounds awful! I hope you’re okay!
6 Likes
I have gotten them. They suck. If they just started I would head to the doc if possible. I know it may be hard to do, but I would seriously head to the doc.
Edit: also get a comfort item, be it a blanket a stuffed animal or something that if you touch it it will help get you out of that panicked state.
2 Likes
Anxiety attacks here but actually very similar.
4 Likes
i’ve had panic attacks multiple times through out my life so far, they’re really frikkin horrid. had all those feelings you had except the dizziness, i found grounding myself in the here/now helped a lot with’em, along with reminding yourself that your okay, and that you’ll get through this.
2 Likes
i had one earlier this year. first one ever in my 34 years.
it took about 2 to 3 weeks for my mind and body to recover. i dont know why. the doctor didnt know why (might not be a good doctor)., but thats how long it took for me to get back to normal.
i had to go to work but outside of work i just laid around watching tv zoning out.
2 Likes
My wife has them from time to time, but I try to be supportive and let her know she’s safe and loved. There’s not much else I can do.
Oh, she informed me that telling someone to come down in that state is the worst advice.
Good luck Op, and hopefully it doesn’t happen again.
6 Likes
Sounds rather odd to be honest. Never heard of a random panic attack from playing WoW, this is a pretty mild/slow-paced game compared to other fast-paced/more stressful games.
By chance, did you get jabbed recently? People have reported random panic attacks, random dizziness, heightened anxiety, etc as some of the side-effects. If it’s “the first time” it ever happened in your entire life, it’s possible it could be a side-effect.
Unexplained panic attacks every night is definitely not normal, you should go get it checked out.
1 Like
Worse I get is the feeling there was something I was suppose to do but I can’t remember what it was so I worry about the fact im worrying about something I can’t remember and I panic. Never sure if its game related life related work related or otherwise but it sets me off and I hate it lol.
2 Likes
My panic attacks happen in public. But that’s a side effect from how badly I had COVID and my fear of being around people now.
I’m sorry that’s happening, OP. I hope you can find support to deal with it and figure out what’s causing it. I’d suggest some type of therapy if you can. Oftentimes, workplace insurance does include some free sessions. I know people don’t like to head that direction at times, but it is good for you. 
2 Likes
Mine started a few years ago.
They are no bueno.
2 Likes
I get them sometimes.
What helps me:
- Get a wet cold wash cloth on the back of my neck stat
- Get a cool glass of water to drink
- Get some relaxing music on, do absolutely anything other than what you were doing.
- Deep breaths.
I hope you find what works for you.
4 Likes
I’m a therapist. The good news is you didn’t have it because of WoW. The bad news is there’s something stressful going on in your life that is likely causing them. Come talk to one of us!
5 Likes
You might want to see somebody about that, friend.
3 Likes
Thankful that I missed that boat. Maybe the Bible has been very helpful for my mental and spiritual stability.
6 Likes
not that i know of.
i’ve gotten bad anxiety though from work. started a new job in my field during my last year of college so yea im fairly new to the field at this point despite i’ve worked in it for years prior but not at this level. i’d go home sleep and have nightmares that i am at my job every single night. this went on for a good few months then it stopped.
i still have anxiety til this day at work but it’s gotten to the point that im so used to it that idc anymore. im only 1 person i can only do so much especially when im running like 99% of the menu; anyone that does my station understands and feels the same but our boss thinks it’s “easy” for him yea because he doesn’t work it.
other then that i guess i’d get panic attacks after i’d smoke a blunt if you know what i mean. despite im inside my room and smoking i’d get paranoid thinking the cops are after me and what not ( really doesn’t help when i live near a hospital and the fire station ontop of cops constantly in and out of my neighborhood sirens going off all the time ). after about 10minutes i’d be okay but i guess im this way because one time i did do this at a friends house and cops came and literally knocked on the door. you could literally hear them walking up the steps. we shut off the lights though and pretended nobody was home XD. the next morning woke up to someone yelling and then taking a huge brick and smashing the glass door downstairs ( it was an apartment complex ) then the guy ran away in a truck.
2 Likes
nah I got jabbed early last year
2 Likes
All my life. Especially after serving in the USAF. I have PTSD and childhood trauma, so, yeah. They are quite debilitating and are a major reason I never did mythics or raids.
4 Likes
I have diagnosed panic disorder. I take xanax every day just so I won’t have them. Yes, the game itself can be a trigger. If it’s becoming one for you, either step away or don’t let the game direct your gameplay. What I prefer spending my time doing really conflicts with what the game says I should be doing. At first I “obeyed” the game then went back to what I wanted to do and it was causing severe anxiety. It didn’t take long for me to ignore the “adventure guide” even when it turns into a giant ! pleading for my attention.
2 Likes
Have dealt with them for 16-17 years now. Am 40. For me, most of it is diet driven.
Hypoglycemia is the big one. When your blood sugar gets low, it can respond by releasing adrenaline to compensate. This can lead to panic attacks, overall increased anxiety, shakes, sweats, shallow/quick breathing, headaches, etc. You may not even feel hungry. It can also happen from eating carbs or other simply sugars that are quickly digested and cause your insulin curve to spike or bottom out.
Maybe you weren’t breathing properly. Maybe you have a heart arrhythmia you’re unaware of. Nothing serious, but feeling it can give a sensation of butterflies in your chest. Maybe you had a PVC (preventricular contraction) which can do the same. Could be exhaustion settling in, which can still be related to stress and adrenaline.
If you start experiencing again or more often, it’s good to journal. I mean… like really, get a pen or type it out. You might start piecing together unrelated things.
For years, I used to have so much anxiety with playing. I ‘knew’ it wasn’t in my head, but it took me ages to figure out what. It was extremely defeating in my 20’s to have multiple doctors prescribe everything from beta blockers to anti… anti everything. Didn’t take any of them.
Anywho, could also be nothing. Hopefully it’s that. 
2 Likes