What does a panic attack feel like?

1 Answer

Answer :

I’ve only experienced one or two in my life thankfully (both brought on by my hypochondria. I became convinced something was seriously medically wrong with me and that brought on a panic attack). I’m sure different people experience them differently. For me the main symptom was shortness of breath, increased heart rate…the more I thought about what was happening, the worse it got: the more my breathing rate increased and the more my heart pounded. I soon felt like I wouldn’t be able to breathe if it kept up, which of course, just made it even worse. It’s a positive feedback loop. I also felt like I was going insane. The only thing that stopped it was splashing cold water on my face. Once I could tell that my heart rate was actually beginning to slow, that allowed me to relax and finally it abated. Not a fun experience. Hope this helped your question, though.

Related questions

Description : Can you have a panic attack and anxiety attack at the same time?

Last Answer : Pretty much the same thing, except panic is in the moment. Anxiety can come from anticipation of something frightening, or remembering something already in the past, or discomfort with things in the moment.

Description : Am I having panic attack (time sensitive)?

Last Answer : It sounds like you're anxious. I get that a lot, too, especially for exams. The night before my Calculus I final I was so nervous that not only did I feel anxious, I spent the night until 2am doing ... nervous. These exams seem to be really taking a toll on your life. Good luck-I wish you the best.

Description : Is there any such thing as a "mild" panic attack?

Last Answer : It sounds like it could be anxiety attacks which I see as less severe than full blown panic attacks.

Description : Does this sound like a panic attack?

Last Answer : That doesn’t sound like the panic attacks I’ve had, but it does sound like something to talk to a doctor about.

Description : How do you (or, 'how does one') overcome the severe effects of a panic attack or phobia?

Last Answer : I'm confused. You mention panic attacks and phobias in the question, but sharp pain and nausea in the description. I realize you don't want to go into the details of your situation, but I ... . Regardless, I wish you well and hope you can find a solution to your ongoing medical conditions.

Description : How do you explain anxiety to people who claim to know what it is, but tell you it's all in your head when you have a panic attack?

Last Answer : There's very little that can be done to explain what a panic attack is to someone who has not experienced one. I am a former panic attack sufferer, and the only way I would attempt to tell ... 16 years. Feel free to PM me if you need any advice on specifics regarding treatment approaches, etc.

Description : What is the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack?

Last Answer : Not a whole lot really. The symptoms are generally the same. Anxiety attacks result from some form of stress and are usually short in duration. Panic attacks strike without cause and last longer.

Description : I think I'm having a panic attack?

Last Answer : answer:I think the school only gets the report you release to them? You'll have to double check me. I know a school can't just look up your scores, but what I'm not sure of is if ... you can get your questions answered. You already notified the school you were taking the test again? Is that right?

Description : Anxiety and panic attack victims, do you ever get the feeling that you will never get over it?

Last Answer : answer:I had them for a while about 20 years ago and deliberately found techniques to deal. Psychotherapy, some meds for a short time, meditation and yoga (and of course, the breathing).

Description : First person shooter game triggered a panic attack. Normal?

Last Answer : answer:PTSD is no joke. I can imagine these hyper realistic games having the effect it has had on you. I am not a gamer, and I'm not a veteran, but many years ago I tried playing those ... gunshots would trigger full-blown panic attacks. He also was unable to hunt for about 20 years after the war.

Description : Where can I learn trigonometry and logarithms without having a panic attack?

Last Answer : Cheatsheet

Description : Is it possible to have a panic attack while sleeping?

Last Answer : Are you on any medications for your depression and anxiety? They could be causing the dreams.

Description : Scenario: Three pit bulls break in to your house and attack your dog. You're on the phone to 911 in a total panic. You tell them you're getting your gun, and dispatch says, "No! Don't get a gun! Put the gun down!" What would your response be?

Last Answer : Oh! I’m sorry you’re breaking up. I’ll call back later. Then I would get my gun and….......the rest would be history.

Description : Can a Panic attack last a whole day?

Last Answer : answer:I would say yes because a friend of mine suffers from them and has had them for long periods of time like that. But I would go to the ER if you fear of your heart stopping because this ... her but now that she has she went from having them several times a week to going months without one.

Description : Is vertigo caused by a panic attack?

Last Answer : I’m not sure that I’ve ever seen it listed as a symptom of panic attacks, but I can say that they seem to go hand in hand for me. I’m assuming by vertigo you mean the sensation that the room is spinning, and not just general dizziness. Dizziness is commonly related to anxiety and panic.

Description : Have you ever had an anxiety/panic attack out in public view?

Last Answer : Of course. You can tell when I have anxiety attacks out in public, which for me, is an every day thing. I get really antsy and I start to fidget. I play with my hair, I walk around very fast, ... with close friends about it helps at the moment. If no one is there, I usually suffer in silence, lol.

Description : Have you ever had a panic attack?

Last Answer : I have had a panic attack. I don’t remember what started it. I only remember grabbing my list of things to do and trying breathing, giving up on taking a hot bath, and finally calling someone who talked me down.

Description : Any suggestions about nipping panic attack causing anxiety in the bud?

Last Answer : I am so nervous to hear what you might say…>faint

Description : What's the weirdest place you've ever had a panic attack?

Last Answer : my bathroom.the door was easily locked if you dont set up the lock first.i was so panic thought im goin to lost breath but fortunately my dad came inside the bathroom and helped me.he said im silly

Description : Have you ever had a panic attack? How does it present, and how do you overcome it?

Last Answer : I used to have them as a teenager. For me it felt exactly like an asthma attack. My mother-in-law has them all the time and for her it is like uncontrolled anxiety with severe abdominal pains.

Description : Do you know what this is about? Thanks

Last Answer : A panic attack is manifested by severe anxiety or horror, which arises suddenly, usually for no apparent reason. It is accompanied by strong physical symptoms and affects the subsequent behavior: one ... later avoids the places where he has experienced panic, or is afraid that she might reappear.

Description : Are you healthy if you just had a panic attack?

Last Answer : Panic attacks can arise from a number of factors. If your friend was able to recover from the panic attack within 10 minutes, as well as doesn't have a history of panic attacks, she is ... not in themselves signify danger. A panic attack is best understood as a symptom of another underlying cause.

Description : Am I having a panic attack or anxiety attack?

Last Answer : I am not aware of any differences between panic attacks and anxiety attacks. So far as I know, panic is just a word for extreme anxiety. If you feel you are suffering from anxiety, you should consult a doctor.

Description : How can I help someone during a panic attack?

Last Answer : If you are around someone who is having a panic attack, try to keep them calm and hand them a paper bag if they start to hyperventilate. Keep talking to them gently.

Description : How do I stop a panic attack from occurring?

Last Answer : Speaking with a therapist will help you overcome your panic attacks. Medication can also help with this affliction. Panicattack.org has several tips for helping a panic attack work its course.

Description : How to Stop a Panic Attack With a Cold Shower?

Last Answer : This won't work for everyone, but for some people it really does the trick. The problem with learning how to stop a panic attack is that a panic attack is sort of a train that, once set in motion, ... next time you feel one coming on: Take a cold shower. The shocking effect may just cool you down.

Description : Does suffering from anxiety/panic attacks count as an emergency? (See Details)

Last Answer : I would think either 1 or 6 would apply… since he said it could be a blood clot I would say 6 so you could get the necessary tests to rule it out. Is there an 800 number on the form to call and question what falls under these to be specific?

Description : What are some good ways to deal with panic disorder and unatural fear of dying?

Last Answer : answer:Immediately? Take at least 10 deep, long breaths. Count to four while you're breathing in, and then again while breathing out. The counting takes your mind off the other stuff, and the breathing helps ... They can help you figure out how best to deal with this fear in ways the internet can't.

Description : Could I be having panic attacks?

Last Answer : Panic attacks can vary, from person to person..but they generally have alike symptoms. The heart racing indicates you could be having a panic attack. What’s making you anxious? Being in the car, driving? Going to certain places? Are you stressed out?

Description : What does a heart attack feel like and is it an agonising way to die?

Last Answer : Heart attack symptoms vary from person to person. Some people even have silent heart attacks (i.e. they don't even know they've had one). The symptoms can range from chest tightness, to ... from the consequences of the heart attack, primarily heart failure and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).

Description : Was this an anxiety attack?

Last Answer : Yes. I have had the same exact symtoms, been tested. My dr. rx’d xanax, ( I have found benzos are the only thing that work). I hoard them for times like this.

Description : Can a spider have a heart attack?

Last Answer : I don’t know, but probably what happened is that each time you opened the shades in the morning, it would pull on its web (and probably destroy it). That’s what made it “spaz and shake”. The spider may have moved on to greener pastures, or another predator could have eaten it.

Description : What are the best ways to prevent a cold air triggered asthma attack when outside during the winter?

Last Answer : Breathe in through your nose – Your nose is designed to warm and humidify air. Wear a scarf that covers both nose and mouth. Use your reliever inhaler about 15 minutes before going out into the cold air.

Description : Could this be a gall bladder attack?

Last Answer : It could be. Glad you will meet with your doctor tomorrow.

Description : Is it possible that the swine flu is a bio-terrorist attack?

Last Answer : Unless someone can provide undeniable evidence that it isn’t, I think that it’s a possibility. Why not?

Description : If you have a heart attack and they say your heart muscles weakened from a 60 to a 30 does this mean it can not be strengthened to a 60 again?

Last Answer : I had a heart attack in June of 2008. My heart measured 38 when I was released from the hospital. I'm in a cardiac rehab program and attend two times one week, one the next (due to my work schedule). ... 153 for 5 minutes. That's too high to do for 20 minutes straight (hence the term stress test ).

Description : What is the best way to prevent another heart attack?

Last Answer : I don’t have any advice to offer, but I do offer my sympathies and best wishes. Hope it all turns out well.

Description : I want to know why the mosquitos attack me all the time?, even if i am in a place with other people i always have more bites [equal] (

Last Answer : maybe your just sweeter than everyone else. ;)

Description : Does this Kernel panic look like a hardware or software issue?

Last Answer : I’d say hardware interacting with software – so both. It sounds like you have a Firewire device whose drivers are failing… and that it triggers occasionally when you are running Photoshop. Do you have any non-apple firewire drivers installed?

Description : I Age 26 Years. I All Time In panic Bhugi 6 All Time I think so Is Mine Loved ones To die You can go Them Extra Care I do A lot Time It is Them Annoying Because Become Stand up 7 Of the ... family One To the member Loses. Any By no means Attention To give I can No. I What? Emotional Patient ?

Last Answer : Yes , it is Of course A Emotional Problems. Death When Will come That We Someone I don't know , I know No. Everyone So To die Yes , yes Today , otherwise Tomorrow. You Them A lot More Love So ... . Them Care Take it And Them For Of the Creator Near Pray Please. Extra Emotions By Struck Will be No.

Description : The preferred class of drugs for long term treatment of severe anxiety disorder with intermittent panic attacks is: A. Phenothiazine (chlorpromazine like) B. Azapirone (buspirone like) C. β-blocker (propranolol like) D. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (sertraline like)

Last Answer : DD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (sertraline like)

Description : What are some items that never sell even in a panic buy?

Last Answer : I don't know about items, by category, but in the first mad rush of panic buying in March of 2020 I was curious to see which brands of regular grocery items didn't sell out even when others ... too busy grabbing paper towels, soup cans, flour, and powdered milk. (We never touched the powdered milk.)

Description : Is it time to hit the panic button on covid ... again?

Last Answer : I never hit the panic button and I was in the thick of it. We know what to do—it just needs to be done.

Description : What are some natural global or cosmic catastrophes which could actually happen -- probably with enough forewarning to cause a season of panic / terror / dread before they occur?

Last Answer : Solar flares destroying power grids yes and pelting the Earth with city-sized fireballs? no Massive meteor showers? theoretically possible, has happened but none scheduled any time soon ... warfare including nuclear, biological, chemical, space-based kinetic weapons, automated weapon systems, etc

Description : Been Super Anxious, Having Migraines and Been Paranoid/Having Panic Attacks After Quitting Medical Pot?

Last Answer : THC does not store in your fat. LSD has been known to store and come back, but THC does not. Nor is it hallucinogenic. Paranoia happens sometimes while using it, but the effects are gone by the time ... doctor, it will be such a huge relief. Hang on, love. The answers are out there, somewhere.

Description : Panic attacks or something else?

Last Answer : My cousin’s wife gets panic attacks and those are the symptoms almost exactly. Hang on till Monday.

Description : Have you ever accidentally activated the panic button on your vehicles key ring fob?

Last Answer : Yes, once a month it seems.

Description : Why am I depressed and having panic attacks twice a day?

Last Answer : You need to ask a doctor this question. None of us could know. Your diet, activities, and endless other things could be involved. You are asking for a diagnosis. That must be obtained from a doctor. I ... and feel better very soon. If anxiety keeps you from seeing a doctor, get a friend to help you.

Description : How do I handle night panic attacks?

Last Answer : Take a warm shower. See a doctor about getting off your meds. Take a year off from school and relax. I have anxiety at nights and I listen to funny Youtube and documentaries.

Description : Is there anyone here who can help me figure out this Ebola panic?

Last Answer : If you turn on the tv, you will get no facts. Here is the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Infection) fact sheet on Ebola.