Panic Attacks

[ticklemepink]

That is good to know! Thank you for posting that. They probably won't stop the ride, but it is good to know that they are watching the ride vehicle to see if anything goes wrong.

 

[SueM in MN]

Contrary to what many of you may think, I am not some kind of nevous nelly nut that is prone to freak out at the smallest thing. I am almost certain that I will be okay, especially if I work my way up to the more thrilling rides and back out of the ones that are the most extreme. The problem is that it is difficult to know what to expect if you have NEVER been on any of these rides before. Youtube only shows so much. Fear is 100x worse than the actual experience itself.

which is why people have said to use other things in addition to YouTube.
What you can see on YouTube, plus videos on the WDW website, plus descriptions and warnings that are on the Internet and on park maps and signs in front of all rhe attractions ( and again before boarding, for thrill rides) will tell you a lot.
Even if you only find out one thing, that one thing will be 100% more than you know if you just said "YouTube won't tell me everything, so there is no point in looking."

Also, keep in mind thst for any of the theater shows (with the exception of Carousel of Progress and Ellen's Energy Adventure, which are both in moving theaters), you can leave at any time. The exits are well marked and are almost always directly down the row opposite where you came in. There is usually a CM in the theater to assist people who need to leave for one reason or another. You don't want to go out the door you came in - that will lead you to the preshow area where you had waited to come in. If you go out that door, you will end up in the crowd of people waiting to get into the next show. That's the last thing I would want to happen in the middle of a panic attack.

 

[goofyernmost]

I had a panic attack during the Finding Nemo show. I'm not joking. Just sitting there and a few minutes into the show, BAM! So yeah, they can strike anytime, anywhere and for reasons unknown. I'm not afraid of crowds, fish, musicals, the dark, loud noises etc...so I have NO idea where it came from. I just had to delve into my box of coping techniques to get through it (breathing, focus etc).

If you are are prone to panic attacks where you have no control of yourself or are dissociated from reality then you need to seek professional help immediately. There is no need to have to live that way. There are coping techniques, and medication that can help you. The meds don't need to be permanent.

Until you get that help, stay away from ANYTHING that you are even worried may cause an attack. For your health and safety and the safety of others. It may make for a boring vacation, but it's better than a traumatic vacation or one spent in the hospital or morgue.

I don't understand...how can it be a "panic attack" when you cannot identify what you are panicking about? How is that possible? Anxiety, perhaps or nervous reaction, maybe, but Panic? Over what? Don't you need a reason to panic?

Might it be a sign or a feeling that could be linked to something going wrong physically? Just a similar feeling? I've had people describe certain feelings that I would associate with "panic" and it was really a drop or a sudden increase in glycemic (sugar) levels. I think that anyone that experiences emotional feelings for no reason at all, might be wise to check with a doctor about possible chemical imbalances and other symptomatic disorders. JMHO!

 

[mjkacmom]

I don't understand...how can it be a "panic attack" when you cannot identify what you are panicking about? How is that possible? Anxiety, perhaps or nervous reaction, maybe, but Panic? Over what? Don't you need a reason to panic?

Might it be a sign or a feeling that could be linked to something going wrong physically? Just a similar feeling? I've had people describe certain feelings that I would associate with "panic" and it was really a drop or a sudden increase in glycemic (sugar) levels. I think that anyone that experiences emotional feelings for no reason at all, might be wise to check with a doctor about possible chemical imbalances and other symptomatic disorders. JMHO!

Just being in a crowded area can bring on a panic attack for me. I got a seat in the middle of the theater for one of dd's plays, and luckily it hit before the play started, because I had to move.

 

[lbklyn]

I don't understand...how can it be a "panic attack" when you cannot identify what you are panicking about? How is that possible? Anxiety, perhaps or nervous reaction, maybe, but Panic? Over what? Don't you need a reason to panic?

Might it be a sign or a feeling that could be linked to something going wrong physically? Just a similar feeling? I've had people describe certain feelings that I would associate with "panic" and it was really a drop or a sudden increase in glycemic (sugar) levels. I think that anyone that experiences emotional feelings for no reason at all, might be wise to check with a doctor about possible chemical imbalances and other symptomatic disorders. JMHO!

It DOES feel like panic (only way to describe it) and many, many people have it and cannot pinpoint what triggers it. My 40 yr. old brother has gone over the Verrazano bridge between Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York hundreds and hundreds of times with no problem (back and forth to work). Then one day he had a panic attack crossing (nothing out of the ordinary that day) and also (like my previous story) thought he was having a heart attack and the sweating and palpatations and all the rest that goes with it happened to him. He still crosses that bridge but has to control his breathing and focus on getting over it. And there are times now where he is doing nothing but watching tv and it can happen. Thank God like me it is not to often though. He was checked from head to toe and like I was told there was nothing physically wrong with him.
I saw a girl have one years ago in a class I was taking and really thought to myself "Why can't she just control herself?". Well now I know.

 

[Jennasis]

I don't understand...how can it be a "panic attack" when you cannot identify what you are panicking about? How is that possible? Anxiety, perhaps or nervous reaction, maybe, but Panic? Over what? Don't you need a reason to panic?

Might it be a sign or a feeling that could be linked to something going wrong physically? Just a similar feeling? I've had people describe certain feelings that I would associate with "panic" and it was really a drop or a sudden increase in glycemic (sugar) levels. I think that anyone that experiences emotional feelings for no reason at all, might be wise to check with a doctor about possible chemical imbalances and other symptomatic disorders. JMHO!

Wish I knew. The best I can figure is there was some loud bass (the instrument, not the fish). Sometimes when there is that deep rumbly bass, it rattles my ribs (think like when you are standing too close to a speaker). Even if it's just for a second, that rumbling makes it hard for me to breath. Anytime I feel like I can't breathe, even for a split second, can trigger an attack. That's the best I can figure. It happened so quickly and I really can't pinpoint any other cause. Then again, it could be something else. The changing of the lights, the color...who knows?

I appreciate your concern for my health, but I will trust my doctor's assessment of my situation over a stranger on the 'net. Our management plan is working well too, which is why I was able to get the attack under control and enjoy the rest of the show.

 

[PrincePrincePrincess]

I'm new here but just had to say that panic attacks often are triggered in the subconscious, therefore the cause may not be apparent to the individual experiencing it. It has to do with experiences of trauma that may not be remembered or affect the individual on a conscious level. That doesn't mean there isn't a real catalyst for panic.

This thread has been beaten to death but I just had to say this: Panic attacks are experienced by many people. The issue with the OP isn't the panic attacks, it's the lack of confidence in being able to control panic attacks. If you aren't confident that you can control yourself, you have no business putting yourself ina situation that could lead to a panic attack. For example, I'm horribly afraid of flying and will probably have a panic attack on the flight to Orlando. I CAN control myself though. If I had any indication that I might freak out and start climbing over fellow passengers trying to escape from the plane during take-off, I have absolutely no business flying on an airplane. The same can be said for any amusement park ride.

We all have our own personal limitations and we all have a responsibility to the rest of the world to consider our personal limitations when making decisions that could affect others. OP, I have compassion for the problems you deal with but I urge you to take your limitations seriously, be honest about them, and act accordingly.

 

[BradyBz12]

Panic attacks are experienced by many people. The issue with the OP isn't the panic attacks, it's the lack of confidence in being able to control panic attacks. If you aren't confident that you can control yourself, you have no business putting yourself ina situation that could lead to a panic attack. For example, I'm horribly afraid of flying and will probably have a panic attack on the flight to Orlando. I CAN control myself though. If I had any indication that I might freak out and start climbing over fellow passengers trying to escape from the plane during take-off, I have absolutely no business flying on an airplane. The same can be said for any amusement park ride.

We all have our own personal limitations and we all have a responsibility to the rest of the world to consider our personal limitations when making decisions that could affect others. OP, I have compassion for the problems you deal with but I urge you to take your limitations seriously, be honest about them, and act accordingly.

Well said!

 

[earthfaries]

I have panic attacks randomly ~ I've even had one on Spaceship Earth ~ and not because it was scary .

I really want to suggest to the OP and anyone else who reads this who suffers from stress , anxiety or panic attacks something that I NEVER leave home without ~ that helps when you feel one coming on ~ which is Bach Rescue Remedy. It's an all natural, flower essence and it works WONDERS for panic attacks and anxiety. You can find it online or in any health food store .

I take two drops of it when I'm getting on a ride like EE or ToT to help with my anxiety and if I'm starting to have a panic attack.

Also, I'm sure the OP knows that the urge to run, or escape where they are at when having a panic attack is part of a panic attack ~ the fight or flight reflex, but I can tell you from experience the best way I've been able to handle panic attacks in public, or when I can't just get away, is to first tell yourself you are not trapped and you don't need to get away ~ you are truly not in danger ~ and most importantly DON'T try to fight your panic attack ~~ it makes it SO much worse! Accept that it is a panic attack and that you do have them and that what you are feeling is normal for a panic attack, although everything inside you is telling you you are not okay.
Ride it out ~ say I'm having a panic attack, I can deal with this, it will go away .
It really helped me.

Good luck with your trip ~ and take my advice ~ bring some Rescue Remedy!!!

 

[goofyernmost]

I appreciate your concern for my health, but I will trust my doctor's assessment of my situation over a stranger on the 'net. Our management plan is working well too, which is why I was able to get the attack under control and enjoy the rest of the show.

Sorry, I didn't mean that you hadn't already gone that route, and certainly you would trust your doctor's assessment more than mine. It wasn't an assessment, by the way, it was just a question that came to my mind. If you hadn't already had an assessment then my feeling was that it wouldn't hurt. You have, it wasn't, done deal!

 

[Zeebs]

I disagree with your assertion that someone "intentionally" would get out of a moving ride vehicle.

I doubt someone riding Splash Mountain would say to themselves that, "after second thought, I think I'd rather not experience that drop, as it makes my stomach queasy and is quite unpleasant, so I think I will step out of the ride vehicle now." It doesn't work like that. I think in a panic attack situation, you would totally disassociate with reality, and the fight or flight mechanism would kick in which would lead one to act in a totally irrational manner. That's why I am shocked that there are no lap bars or panic buttons on the SM ride.

Also, with all those g forces on R+R, taking powerful controlled substances doesn't seem like a smart thing to do either.

Why then if you have no idea what you are doing during a panic attack do you think you might whack the panic button instead of trying to get out.

For crying out loud, ride the ride, do what ever you please, if you have a panic attack get out of the ride by any means possible and then sue Disney for not having a panic button set up for you. You have all bases covered then.

Kirsten

 

[earthfaries]

I disagree with your assertion that someone "intentionally" would get out of a moving ride vehicle.

I doubt someone riding Splash Mountain would say to themselves that, "after second thought, I think I'd rather not experience that drop, as it makes my stomach queasy and is quite unpleasant, so I think I will step out of the ride vehicle now." It doesn't work like that. I think in a panic attack situation, you would totally disassociate with reality, and the fight or flight mechanism would kick in which would lead one to act in a totally irrational manner. That's why I am shocked that there are no lap bars or panic buttons on the SM ride.

Also, with all those g forces on R+R, taking powerful controlled substances doesn't seem like a smart thing to do either.

Actually someone has done that ~ they stood up at the top of the hill because they freaked out and wanted off and you can guess what happened ~~ they died.

And also, Disney is adding lap bars to Splash Mountain ~ when they do the refurb

 

[deetle]

ok, in post 26 you say that there is various degrees of thrill and you don't know where to draw the line.(Sorry I have no idea how to quote yet). In that case start on the rides with a low thrill factor and work your way up. You should have some idea of what scares you more than other things (faster rides or hights, or dark ect). If you get to a level and feel even slightly panicked, do not endanger yourself and others by going on again or on rides with a higher thrill factor. Also before you go talk to your doctor, he will have better advise than unknown people on a internet forum. This is potentially a very serious situation.

 

[sueandkent]

Every once in a while I can get a little clostraphobic,not to the point where I can't do things.But be fore-warned I thought I would never get out of Mission Space!What I do is think about my kids and I can calm myself down,they didn't seem to concerned! They were screaming their heads off having a blast,they rode twice more.(I sat down outside)

I totally agree about Mission Space. I spent the whole time trying to keep calm and also not throw up. It ended just in the nick of time. I would advise the OP to seriously think about this ride. No way out once that little door closes.

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

I totally agree about Mission Space. I spent the whole time trying to keep calm and also not throw up. It ended just in the nick of time. I would advise the OP to seriously think about this ride. No way out once that little door closes.

I can ride rides with the best of them, if I rode Millenium Force at Cedar Point 1000 times and the only thing I'd feel is bordem but Mission Space makes me ill. I've gone on the real version 3 times now, with an optimistic outlook, with nothing in my stomach... I can't do it. I don't throw up but I certain feel like dog doo doo afterward.

 

[Kristina]

Actually someone has done that ~ they stood up at the top of the hill because they freaked out and wanted off and you can guess what happened ~~ they died.

And also, Disney is adding lap bars to Splash Mountain ~ when they do the refurb

In Liseberg park here in Sweden someone a few years ago panicked at the drop of their log flume ride. The person, who died of their injurys, tried to stop the log from going down the flume by grabbing on to something at the drop. Of course it didn't work and the person fell down the flume with the log, filled with family members coming down on top of her.

Regarding lap bars on Splash Mountain, I don't want them but I do think they would make some riders feel more secure. I wonder though if someone really wanted to get out of their log would they might still be able to manage it?

 

[phinz]

I would have to respectfully disagree with the bolded statement.
There have been quite a few people who suffer panic attacks who have posted about a variety of attractions, including rides like Spaceship Earth that I posted about (not exactly a thrill ride), Haunted Mansion and Peter Pan.

Disagree all you want, but I still hold that up until that point people hadn't talked about the nature of panic or anxiety disorders. Not the causes. The *nature.*

My panic attacks are random and unpredictable, and if I stopped doing things that might cause them I'd be a bed-bound agoraphobic hermit and I'd still have panic attacks, since they even happen at home. I refuse to let it rule my life. I know my trigger. Life is my trigger. I'm not going to stop livng my life.

My worst attack in years was during the most recent Harry Potter film. It came on hard and I couldn't do anything to stop it. My solution? Go to sleep after taking a Xanax sublingually. It worked. There was no outward reason for the attack, but it happened. I was drained for a couple of days afterwards.


A previous poster had a good solution that works for me most of the time. I tell myself, "You've been through this before. It hasn't killed you before. You'll get through this one too."

 

[BradyBz12]

Regarding lap bars on Splash Mountain, I don't want them but I do think they would make some riders feel more secure. I wonder though if someone really wanted to get out of their log would they might still be able to manage it?

People have gotten out before, and someone did die in November 2000.

 

[MHSweb79]

I was there the year after someone died on Splash (I believe he got out of his log OK, then died trying to cross to the other side between two logs). We had some rowdy teenage girls ahead of us, and one of them stood up halfway to shout something obnoxious to a friend in another log. This was near the top. The entire ride stopped immediately and a CM popped out from nowhere to give the girl a stern talking-to. They do not mess around.

What's ironic about panic attacks is that the fear can actually harm you (by making you do stupid things) and the thing that you are afraid of most likely won't. I have sympathy because I had an attack of claustrophobia when they shut the door on Mission: Space, which I am NOT prone to. I had to talk myself into breathing so as not to escalate the panic, but it was not fun, and not something I could have predicted. The best strategy is to have a defense mechanism in case you feel one coming on.

 

[Heidijs]

I have panic attacks and sometimes they're really bad, my biggest fear with them is that I'm going to black out though, not stop breathing. My doc simply told me, so if you black out, you'll come to and be fine.

I also find my attacks are intensified by caffiene...so skipping pop and coffee the days of the parks is a good idea for anyone who has them...that and cigarettes...

We do theme parks and I find I get the attacks while I'm waiting in line or if my blood sugar starts to get low cus I didn't eat breakfast or lunch...not a huge eater in the morning...but that will start triggering attacks quickly. Once I'm seated in the ride I don't care. I figure if I pass out I'll be awake when it's over and be safe in the ride but I've never blacked out before. Usually when the ride takes off, that snaps me right out of them and I do a lot of screaming on the ride and that relieves a lot of the anxiety and I'm ready to ride them again. Hee hee...they do suck though, I've suffered from them for YEARS and just when I think I get control of them...they manifest into a new form. My doctor told me that would happen too...your body tricks you into new ways to make you panic. Once I realized I wasn't going to stop breathing from what my doctor told me, my newest fear was passing out in a store and being totally embarassed cus I'm sure they'd call a flippin ambulance!