Tuesday 26 July 2022

Panic attacks

 What is a panic attack

  • A panic attack is when you experience a sudden unexpected increase of intense anxiety. 
  • During a panic attack the speed at which your anxiety levels increase, is like going from 0 to 80 miles an hour in a few seconds.

Why panic attacks are distressing

  • Panic attacks are very distressing because you can experience a range of disturbing psychological and physical sensations. 
  • During a panic attack you may feel afraid that you are going crazy or dying. 
  • Also during a panic attack you are likely to experience intense bodily sensations.

The following are typical symptoms which people report when they experience a panic attack. 

  • Heart palpations or racing heart
  • Feeling like you are suffocating 
  • Breathlessness 
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Choking
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Feeling unreal or distant feelings
  • Hot of cold flushes
  • Nausea
  • A fear of dying or going crazy 

Some people also experience other symptoms. See the blog on anxiety symptoms. 

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