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If I can't stop thinking about killing myself during a panic attack or think that I'm dying, does that mean I actually want to kill myself unconsciously or is it something else?

14 Answers
Last Updated: 01/07/2020 at 6:29pm
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Top Rated Answers
LeapingLaughter
September 8th, 2015 7:33am
I do not believe that this is the result of an unconscious desire to kill yourself. It could be the result of your panic attacks, and your mind expressing its desire to be free from the pain and suffering of the panic attack. I think that unconsciously, you want to live a healthy life. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here chatting with us ;-)
ListenerFormerlyKnownAsIDKWIL
January 18th, 2016 10:17am
It does not. I is just a coping mechanism for yourself to handle the extreme anxiety, it is not a sign of actually hoping to die, instead even the thought of the anxiety going away, even in the most drastic way, can help you overcome the attack.
SarahG
March 24th, 2015 6:43am
Having those thoughts during panic attacks is your reaction to the panic. You're body is reacting to all the stimuli - real or imagined. This can trick your mind into thinking that you're dying - but panic attacks are not dangerous and you will get past it. Wanting to kill yourself during a panic attack can simply be another response to overwhelming stimuli - you see it as a way to make it stop. If you ever have these thoughts or feelings persistently please seek help at suicide.org.
Anne1992
August 18th, 2015 5:59pm
I don't think it means you want to kill yourself. I think it means you want relief from the panic attack, and dying at the time, seems like an easy way of achieving this. Panic attacks are awful, they can be so overwhelming and can feel like your mind and body are being taken over by fear. I often worry that i will die during a panic attack. But these feelings subside, as does the feeling of fear. Try focussing on your breathing and relaxation tequniques and if you feel like you actually do want to kill yourself, please call a suicide helpline first. Don't worry and take care :)
Anonymous
September 20th, 2016 4:18pm
No. That's just your anxiety eating at you. Everyone has probably considered suicide at one point or another as just a random thought if nothing else.
Rosealyn
November 10th, 2015 4:58pm
That's a good question- each person has different experiences with panic attacks. For instance, when I am having a panic attack I think I'm suffocating- I think I actually am dying. I think the first step in figuring out what thoughts are real and which are part of our demons is to ask ourselves if the thought is logical. Was I in a situation where I would not have air? Was there air in the room? Certainly I had access to oxygen- and for some illogical reason I was worked up about something. It's ok if you don't know why the panic attack occurred. Just begin to focus on why you act like you do, and how you would react to the action if you weren't having that attack.
helpfulsam99
July 28th, 2016 4:53pm
My mom had a panic attack when I was little, and she went to the hospital because she thought it was a heart attack. Panic attacks have really scary physical symptoms, so it's common to think you're dying when you're having one. I've never heard of someone being unconsciously suicidal, so it's probably just the fear talking. You should still tell a doctor, though.
FlawedCharacter
May 6th, 2015 1:10am
It's common to feel as though you're dying during a panic attack, it's a very distressing experience. It's important to understand what is normal occurrence during panic attacks. It can be really hard to know that you're in no danger during a panic attack, though panic attacks are very good at convincing you otherwise. It's important to try not to struggle against the panic attack, that often only adds more stress. I know it's a worrying time, but remember that just because you're worried doesn't mean you're in danger. What can a panic attack actually do to you? Frighten you. It can't kill you. They fill you with such fear and anxiety that you believe you're actually in danger. The most dangerous thing about a panic attack is not seeking help after you experience one. It can impede your life by making you phobic, and develop ongoing fears about having further attacks. Please seek help if you ever experience an attack, they don't have to control your life.
Paige81
May 23rd, 2017 3:19am
Reaching out to a licensed therapist or psychiatrist is the best decision I made when I had those thoughts that just really concerned me. Together we worked through understanding where they were coming from and if the thought itself was my true feeling or if it was a response to another emotion that I was not understanding. Taking an active role and participating in my treatment plan changed my life. I think the first step towards a healthy balance is asking yourself the question of is this self-harm how I really feel or is it something else and knowing that you want to move forward with getting those answers.
UntilThen
August 8th, 2017 12:53pm
There is a difference between thinking about suicide and intending on suicide. If you experience suicidal thought without any intent that doesn't have to mean you are unconsciously suicidal. Of course, if you do feel bouts of intent (planning, gathering supplies) I would talk with someone, but otherwise I think you're not a danger to yourself at the moment. Do keep an eye out though, and let those who are supportive of you know that you're worried.
Anonymous
January 7th, 2020 6:29pm
This is just because of the stress due to which you're panicking. It's nothing like you want to die, your life is really precious my friend. Dying is never a solution and your brain won't make you go that way. So I feel it's just a feeling because of the panic attack and nothing else. Just calm down! You don't have to kill yourself or anything, keep your mind calm, listen to some soothing music, do the activity you love to do the most, or dance maybe, don't think of future outcomes, your health is worth more than the work load or stress causing factors.
Anonymous
March 26th, 2015 10:43am
It can be a natural reaction to feel like that during a panic attack as you often feel like you can't breathe and you're suffocating, it can mean absolutely nothing and is a feeling that will pass.
SpiritWolfNYC
May 30th, 2015 9:33pm
It means you are afraid... well your brain believes it anyway and it is trying to escape the situation. I know because i have panic disorder. Meditation, tea and therapy will help this go away in time
Bobcott
December 22nd, 2015 4:51am
Yes, I've had experiences when I thought that I'd die from what turned out to be an anxiety or panic attack. First, the reason why I think that I'm going to die is because my brain is convinced that the 'symptoms' I have are most definitely a stroke or heart attack, when it really is nothing but the effects of anxiety. If you first accept the fact that you are suffering from anxiety, and not a chronic illness or disease, that may help. Next, of course, is to overcome your anxiety. I suggest consulting your primary doctor or perhaps a therapist. Maintaining a natural, healthy diet is key to combating depression and anxiety, and I've read that waking up early (as opposed to 10 or 11) helps out too. Try meditation, exercise, and stretching; a lot of people recommend this :) Hope this helps a little

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