Keep in mind this was before I was diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder and the first time this has happened. I was at a stoplight, conveniently beside a gas station, waiting for the light to turn. My heart started beating fast followed by shallow, rapid breathing. I pulled into the station, turned off the engine and opened the door thinking whatever it was would go away on its own. It got worse. I went inside and collapsed on the floor but remained conscious. Through the shallow, heavy breathing, I did manage to indicate to the attendant that I needed an ambulance.

The ambulance arrives. I'm at least somewhat conscious with some difficulty to adequately respond. The medic checks my oxygen saturation. It was at 88%. He tells me he will put an oxygen mask on me and I nod, acknowledging I understand.

By the time I get to the emergency room, I'm fine. My oxygen saturation is back to normal. However neither the ambulance crew nor the E.R. staff figured that what I had experienced may have been an anxiety attack. I can now say, with a hindsight perspective, that it was most likely an anxiety attack.

Now if I experience those symptoms again, I know what to do. Nevertheless, would there have been a difference if the medics had a reason to believe I was experiencing an anxiety attack?

Jeanette Isabelle