Panic attack at work

[emilyking]

The other day at work I had what I think was a panic attack.
So, I smoke weed sometimes and it's been really helpful.
After about ten min's I was talking with a co-worker, and I had all these emotions in my head.  I was happy, sad, scared, full of regret, and a few more.  I started alternating, between laughing, and crying only a few seconds for each.  Then it got hard to breath and I got light headed.  My co-workers help me to sit down.  After I calmed down a bit, I started just crying.  I ran to the bathroom, and just cried.  I just felt so.............
I don't know.  After about ten or fifteen min.'s later I was able to come out.  For the rest of my shift, I just felt light headed.
I haven't had anymore trouble so far. 
I think the fact I had been off my estrogen for a few days may have played part in this.

[Tori]

The other day at work I had what I think was a panic attack.
So, I smoke weed sometimes and it's been really helpful.
After about ten min's I was talking with a co-worker, and I had all these emotions in my head.  I was happy, sad, scared, full of regret, and a few more.  I started alternating, between laughing, and crying only a few seconds for each.  Then it got hard to breath and I got light headed.  My co-workers help me to sit down.  After I calmed down a bit, I started just crying.  I ran to the bathroom, and just cried.  I just felt so.............
I don't know.  After about ten or fifteen min.'s later I was able to come out.  For the rest of my shift, I just felt light headed.
I haven't had anymore trouble so far. 
I think the fact I had been off my estrogen for a few days may have played part in this.

If you are not panic prone, extreme stress will cause panic attacks. Coffee, smoking... whatever gets your heart going, so... yeah, weed... it can contribute... or it can help... weird stuff, weed. Depends on the batch and your mood. Hard to classify. It is, human catnip.

But, panic attacks suck!

[emilyking]

Oh, I did forget to mention I was going to tell my boss the next day.

[Tori]

Perfect!

You are the panic attack employee of the month!

Have you talked to HR yet?

[amZo]

Stress can be the cause of these physical (and emotional) reactions, adrenal glands etc., start 'pushing back' after a while. Yes, stay off stimulants like caffeine and nicotine for awhile.

[emilyking]

I sent it in about 5 hours ago. 
My boss was cool about the whole thing.
I had planned on leaving a letter, but he had left.
I sent him a text, letting him know I had left him a letter to read.
He asked what it was about, which I said "me."
He called me up, and asked what's up.  It took me about a minute to say anything, and I started crying.  I told him what I was dealing with, and my decision.  It was so scary, but relieving. 
Anyways, I hope to hear back today or the next. 
I don't think I will have any problems, as about 98% of the crew knows, and supports me and it's not like I'll be dressing any differently (per say).
(To clarify, both Male and Female wear the same uniform)
Fingers crossed!

[stephaniec]

good luck

[emilyking]

Thanks!
So far nothing yet.  So maybe tomorrow.

[Rachel]

Coming out at work is a huge emotional and stress event, congratulations and good luck.

Let us know what your boss says, hugs.

[itsxandrea]

Congratulations Emily. That's something I could never, ever do. I stay stealth at work and I don't want anyone to know (I transitioned before coming to my present job). I personally think they would treat you differently after ... that's what I wouldn't like. However, if you work for a liberal company, I doubt they would.

Anyway, you're very courageous. Good for you and congrats

[Danniella]

Hey ho,

I too am part of the "Epic Panic Attack at Work Club"..."EPAWC"?...that don't work, we need better t-shirts.

Uuuuuuuunyway, I was fairly lucky in that I work in an art studio where we have enormous monitors to hide behind and everybody wears headphones, so it went mostly unnoticed with me, but sounds like you are having a rough time of it.

I would echo the above recommendations, if you are feeling emotionally shaky at all during the day, avoid any unnecessary chemical stimulants, and try to clear your thoughts or focus on something menial or simple to get the negative/scared thoughts to try and subside.

Panic attacks can really suck, and if you have one, can really knock you of kilter all day, but if you try to stay aware of your mentality during the day, you will normally be able to feel one coming on long before it becomes a big problem, and react accordingly.

If all else fails, you can get medication from your doctor to stamp them out...not exactly the idea solution IMO but it's worth a thought.

If it's any consolation, I went from having 3-4 horrific panic attacks per day to pretty much nothing. Just takes some time and effort to learn your own coping methods. There is light at the end of the tunnel ^^

[emilyking]

Thank you.
Thankfully I've only had four every in my life.
The first time, I quit my job that night, because it wasn't worth having one.
The second and third was at a bakery I worked in.
This last time, I wasn't feeling stressed.  I was feeling happy when it happened.  Which is the crazy part.