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 people what it was like was to say that it was like pure fear, concentrated, and injected into my veins in a way that made me feel that I would die. Yet reading those words really doesn’t encapsulate what a panic attack really feels like. I don’t think it’s possible, and you probably shouldn’t make too much of an attempt to go out of your way to explain it to friends and family. But it’s important to express to friends and family that telling you to “stop overreacting” or “it’s all in [your] head” is far from helpful. What you likely need – especially in times when you are in a panic attack or are close to one due to anticipatory anxiety – is the comfort to know that you are safe. Tell your close friends and family (if they really want to help) that you need them to really be there for you if you experience a panic attack. Don’t direct it or tell you what to do. Just be there and not judge you. Of course, you are likely getting treatment for this panic disorder. If not, you need to be. Now. It’s something that you can overcome and put it behind you. I lived with it for years, yet I haven’t had a panic attack in more than 16 years. Feel free to PM me if you need any advice on specifics regarding treatment approaches, etc.