A panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. Photo: Pexels
Panic attacks: signs and symptoms you may be having one
An intense response to a threat or danger, whether genuine or imagined, is accompanied by a brief period of worry known as a panic attack.
A panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. Photo: Pexels
A panic attack may be an immediate response to something frightening or unpleasant, but it may also appear out of the blue.
This sudden surge of intense dread or worry causes several physical and psychological symptoms. They typically attain their peak intensity within a short period of time.
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The first step in managing panic attacks is understanding their warning signs and symptoms. During a panic attack, you could experience physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms simultaneously.
The following are warning signs and symptoms of panic attacks:
The irregular pounding of the heart
An increase in heart rate is a characteristic symptom of panic attacks. You might notice a pulse point throbbing particularly loudly, feel or hear your heart pumping faster or harder, or both.
Your heart rate will often drop once the panic attack and its symptoms have subsided. Your nervous reaction may cause you to start sweating. This feeling is normal and typically only lasts for a few minutes, but if you’re in public it could make you feel uncomfortable or even embarrassed.
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A panic attack can cause shaking or shivering
One of the first signs of a panic attack may be severe and inexplicable trembling or shaking in your hands or legs.
You can still shake, albeit less badly, for hours after the rest of your panic attack symptoms have passed.
The shaking ought to eventually stop as you calm down and relax. Although uncomfortable, this panic attack sensation frequently indicates no underlying medical conditions.
Breathing problems
During a panic attack, many people hyperventilate or feel as though they are suffocating. Because of this, you might cough, gag, or even throw up.
Despite how intense and uncomfortable they may be, these sensations are a typical response to the adrenaline rush you are experiencing.
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Try to focus on maintaining regular breathing by taking slow, deep breaths in and out. It should take five to thirty minutes for your breathing to return to normal.
Additionally, the combination of symptoms of a panic attack, such as a racing heart, hyperventilation, and a fear of losing control, may make you feel faint or dizzy.
Deciphering all of these symptoms is crucial, and if you are unsure of what your body might be experiencing, you should consult a professional.
