It's funny that you would bring topic up. Since I quit smoking I have had these reactions. Some things that would ordinarily would not bother me now sets me off. I don't get a full blown panic attack but it's more like a heightened sense of worry. My way of coping is to jump into some thought consuming task.
Kaiser
My Milage:
My Quit Date: 7/30/2008 Smoke-Free Days: 397 Cigarettes Not Smoked: 9,925 Amount Saved: $496.25 Life Gained: Days: 80 Hrs: 0 Mins: 35 Seconds: 9
The following make up the three components
of anxiety and panic:
Physical sensations: The physical sensations of a panic attack,
by themselves, are not. Without the other two components of a panic attack
these sensations can even be pleasant. Some people go out of their way for
a rush by riding roller coasters or other thrills but people with panic
attacks live in fear of these sensations. Fortunately, you can relearn to
experience these physical sensations without experiencing a panic attack
Cognitive thoughts: The cognitive component of panic and
anxiety are anxious thoughts that people have when they feel afraid.
People with panic disorder usually have all kinds of anxious thoughts
about what’s going to happen to them when they have a panic attack or what
might happen in certain situations. Anxious thoughts very often include a
strong urge to escape.
Behaviors: The intense physical sensations associated with panic
attacks are extremely unpleasant. When people have an extremely unpleasant
experience like a panic attack, they have two options; they can continue
to suffer or they can escape and gain immediate relief. The main behavior
associated with panic & anxiety is avoidance.
