Inside a Panic Attack: What it Feels Like and Why it Happens

If you have ever had a panic attack, you understand how scary and immobilizing they can feel. Melanie Badali, a Registered Psychologist and author for Anxiety Canada (n.d.) shares that panic attacks are quick and unanticipated rushes of intense discomfort or fear.

A panic attack is the body's biological response to protect you and activate fight/flight responses. This powerful biological tool is just happening at the wrong time, like a false alarm for fear (Badali, n.d.).

Panic attacks come on fast, peak within minutes, and include a minimum of four of the symptoms listed:
-pounding or racing heart, heart palpitations;
-sweating;
-trembling or shaking;
-shortness of breath or smothering sensations;
-feelings of choking;
-chest pain or discomfort;
-nausea or abdominal distress;
-feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed or faint;
-chills or heat sensations;
-numbness or tingling;
-feelings of unreality or detachment;
-fear of losing control or “going crazy”; and/or
-fear of dying'' (Badali, n.d.).

Panic attacks can happen many times a day, or just a few times a year (Badali, n.d.). They are REAL and while they are not harmful, they can feel extremely uncomfortable, especially if you have never had one before (Badali, n.d.). The symptoms can be confused with heart attacks, so make sure you rule that out with your family doctor.

Once you receive a positive bill of health from your doctor, make an appointment with a mental health professional. A therapist can help you understand more about your panic attacks and what is causing them. Without addressing these events, you may start to have anxiety, wondering when the next attack will happen and even start avoidant behaviour (Badali, n.d.). This means that you may begin to avoid people, behaviours, places, and situations associated with the attacks, which can negatively impact your life. Please note that the fear of dying is particularly troublesome, as the symptoms of a panic attack can reinforce that fear.

If you want to learn more about panic attacks, contact me for a free consultation or book an appointment today.

Yours always in authenticity,

Jody

References

Badali, M. (N.D). Understanding panic attacks. Anxiety Canada. Retrieved August 25, 2024 from: https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/understanding-panic-attacks/