Susie,
How are you feeling now? Post and let us know.....okay?
Susie, panic attacks can hit you when you least expect it and it won't matter where you are. I've had them hit me in stores and in my car. I think I pioneered panic attacks (Ha Ha) because when mine started, very few people spoke publicly about them. I'm only 46 but 20 years ago, people just didn't talk about them. Now, you can't swing a cat without hitting someone who suffers from panic attacks.
I know how terrifying they are so I really want to read your posts and see how you're doing.
My panic attacks come whenever there is a big life change. That's why I started having them. Let's face it Susie, giving up smoking is a big life change. That could be the reason why you had the attack. Then that crave hit you because your nervous system went into "red alert" and I'm sure you probably smoked whenever you were nervous. We all did.
I'm having some anxiety right now in my quit. Susie, you may not have another panic attack but, just in case, forewarned is forearmed, right? If you do have an attack, do NOT breathe really fast. I know you want to but inhale slowly through your nose and blow out slowly through your mouth. Make sure you get cooled off...i.e. If your in your car, turn the A/C on full blast and turn the vents towards your face. Time your panic attack. That's important because most attacks only last 15 to 20 minutes and those are really severe attacks. So Time your attack and when you reach the 5 minute mark, you'll take comfort in knowing it's almost over. If you get that urge to cry really hard, do it!! By crying it's like you're releasing a pressure valve. Keep your mind working too by saying your name, where you were born, when you were born, when you married, the names of your children, your husband's name, etc. It's very important for you to stay in control of your mind and not let the attack overwhelm you. Oh, and this is a powerful tool.....Get MAD at the panic attack, the fear. Get mad as hell and literally chew it out. By doing that, you're wearing the pants and by God, you're in control. And you're keeping your mind working.
You may not have another attack. This attack may have been an isolated incident. So you may not ever, ever need th