The straw that broke the camel's back

[Esmee Simone]

I had a panic attack while reading a stupid fan fiction the other day, it's almost three days later and I'm still recovering from it.
I'm going through a very stressful time in my life right now, my family is moving to Canada; I'm leaving a lot of people behind ( including my mom) and as a result I'm under a lot of psychological strain. The fan fiction probably induced an emotional reaction that I couldn't handle in my current mental state.

I've been fighting the urge to daydream about the fan fiction, the show its based on, or the characters in it. If I do I'll have another panic attack.

I'm most vulnerable to daydreaming when I'm under some kind of stress. Does this sort of thing happen to anyone else?

[Cordellia Amethyste Rose]

I'm sorry you're going through so much stress.  I have a lot of anxiety, but when I have panic attacks, I can't daydream.  I like to enjoy my daydreams, but I can't get into them if I'm stressed about life events.  I have to resolve the life event that stressed me out first or at least stop thinking about it.  I'm sure you're not the only one.  Lost of people use daydreaming to cope.  I hope things get better for you soon.  I've read lots of good things about Canada.  

[roxanne]

What is it about the fan fiction that caused the attack, do you think?  Might it have happened anyway?  Is it based on something that is already in your DD's?  This move sounds like it will be difficult - hopefully it will be positive as well.

[taffle]

Definitely. DD helps me escape from the real world and all the stress.

[Esmee Simone]

I'm sorry for responding so late:

Thanks for the support everyone.
I think the fan fiction gave me a panic attack is because it prompted an emotional response that I couldn't handle on top of the stress from the move.

What should I do to avoid more panic attacks?

[roxanne]

Have you been diagnosed with panic attacks?  What are the symptoms?

[Esmee Simone]

Sorry, I'm not on very often so my replies tend to be late:
I was diagnosed with panic attacks and general anxiety when I was younger. The symptoms of my panic attacks usually include racing thoughts, an overwhelming sense of fear and occasionally nausea.

[roxanne]

When you were diagnosed, did they suggest any type of treatment.  How often do they occur?  How long before they occur, do you have a sense that one is coming.  For instance, do you first notice the racing thoughts?  What about racing heart beat?  Do you get hot/ break out into a sweat?  How old are you?  A lot of people learn to sense when they are coming and then do something to stop them.  At least get yourself safe - for instance, if you are driving.  Many people think they are having a heart attack, but it is the racing heart, sweating, nausea that mimics one.  It is a frightening experience to be sure, but generally causes no harm.