What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is when you suddenly feel really scared or worried. It can happen quickly and comes with at least four of these signs: your heart beats fast, you sweat, shake, have trouble breathing, or feel like you’re smothering.

We don’t know exactly why panic attacks happen, but they might be related to your family history or tough situations like losing a loved one or losing your job.

There are many symptoms of a panic attack, like your heart racing, feeling weak, or having numb hands. You might also feel really scared or like something bad is going to happen.

To stop a panic attack, you can try:

1. Breathing deeply.
2. Recognizing that you’re having a panic attack.
3. Closing your eyes.
4. Trying meditation.
5. Focusing on positive things.
6. Relaxing your muscles.
7. Imagining yourself happy.

If you need help, there are treatments like talking to a therapist or taking medication.

That’s all for today. Take care and see you next time!

151 thoughts on “What is a Panic Attack?”

  1. Thank you for bringing awareness and education to this very important topic. Specifically thank you saying the treatment is deeper than just dealing with it

  2. As a person who has suffered from panic attacks, your post resonated with me. It’s a terrible feeling, but with love and support, you can overcome it.

  3. Unfortunately I know what it is. Panic Attacks are horrible to deal with, it is never easy to make it through. It is also easier to do so if you have someone around you

  4. I have definitely woken up at night with a panic attack, but luckily not bad ones. I can usually handle them and it tends to be not a big deal. Thank you for sharing this a letting readers understand this is what it feels like.

  5. Panic attacks resemble so many other things. Great job outlining what to look for. I have dealt with panic attacks all of my life and early on I didn’t even know what was going on.

  6. I have a child and several students who deal with panic attacks. The symptoms listed are spot on and what I watch for as they begin! Thank you for covering this topic.

  7. It’s an awful experience. I appreciate you raising awareness for it, and providing this useful information.
    P.S. Good to see you back again 🙂

  8. A very good way to deal with panic attacks is to perform EFT or Tapping. It is a technique, very simple one and effective, to reduce the stress and anxiety levels on the body and it works.

  9. I have never had a full-blown panic attack although I have suffered from anxiety. I hate it. I know it is all mental but it feels like your body is in control. Good suggestions to remedy the problem.

  10. Panic or anxiety attacks are really scary. The first time I had one, I had no idea what it was and thought I was having a heart attack. I couldn’t breathe, my heart was beating so fast and I couldn’t get it under control. The longer it went on, the more stressed out and anxious I became. Medication helped for awhile but we had to treat the underlying reasons for the panic attack which took a long time.

  11. My husband’s grand father had panic attack for several years before he moved to nursing home. I did realize that having counseling and proper medication really helps to cure.

  12. having anxiety and getting panic attacks are actually so common but not talked about enough. This was such a good post in helping people recognise and realise what’s going on. #itsoktonotbeokay

  13. Thank you so much for sharing this. I’ve had panic attacks in the past, and they can be incredibly overwhelming. They’re downright scary. More people need to know what panic attacks feel like so they can help themselves and others.

  14. I have lived with panic disorder for 21 years now and at one point was having 30+ panic attacks a day. I have had a lot of therapy and take a lot of medication and that number is far less, but it is debilitating absolutely.

  15. Thank you for highlighting such an important topic. We still don’t talk enough about mental health, so it’s great to see that someone took the time to write about panic attacks.

  16. As a yoga teacher I highly recommend some breathing techniques to help lessen or even stop a panic attack. Inhaling for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of 7, then exhale forcefully. Repeat.

  17. Panic attack definitely is a serious problem and everyone should be aware of it. I’m glad to read about it in case someone around me gets one I know how to.

  18. Panic attacks are so awful. I’ve gone through two periods in my life when I suffered them. Meds really helped me at the time.

  19. This is very helpful in identifying when this occurs, so that I can assist others or be more compassionate and understanding about how debilitating this can be. Thank you for this information.

  20. Thanks for sharing information about panic attack and creating awareness. And yes psychological therapy, medication may help treat panic attacks

  21. Brittany Srawbridge

    I have never knew everything about it but its good that I was able to read your article and gaining a knowledge about this mental issues, thanks for sharing this information.

  22. I didn’t know about Panic Attack until I saw this post. I know someone who have it and I think it’s really hard to deal with it. This post is really helpful, I had to share it with someone I know who had a panic attack.

  23. I find that breathing techniques help so much when you feel a panic attack coming. Also, breathing inside a paper bag calms you down much quicker than any medication.

  24. Watching my husband experience a panic attack was the worse moment of my life. I can’t imagine how horrible it feels to be on the receiving end of one. Thank you so much for this information.

  25. Thanks for sharing! I have never had a panic attack but I know others who have and agree therapy and medication are options.

  26. Panic attacks are the worst! I deal with them from time to time and sometimes they are bad enough they almost mimic a stroke so I usually just end up napping.

  27. Panic attacks are not fun to experience. Both my husband and I have suffered from panic attacks. I still have panic attacks at least once a week. Having this information shared is really good so others can keep an eye on themselves or their friends in case they have a panic attack.

  28. What a great post I know so many people silently suffer through anxiety and panic attacks so.it is great to bring awareness! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  29. Mental illness and things such as Panic Attacks are such an important thing to discuss right now. We need to continue to openly discuss it and remove any stigma related to having anxiety or panic disorder. Thank you for sharing!

  30. I suffer with panic attacks and have done for a number of years, I find that being somewhere quiet where I am able to do my breathing excersizes can help. Knowing the symptoms means that people can spot what is happening and act accordingly, so I thank you for this article and I will be sharing to try to raise awareness for this sometimes dibilitating condition!

  31. Thanks for sharing! I have several relatives who have anxiety and panic attacks. This gives me a better idea of what they are experiencing.

  32. Panic attacks are dangerous sometimes, especially when you aren’t familiar with that one is. This article is insightful and helpful. I suffer from PTSD from a bad car accident and I have had a panic attack before. Thank you for this.

  33. Oh my gosh! Last month, I experienced a panic attack when I was told that my parents were coming over to our house. Our relationship is pretty strained so I just can’t see them yet.

  34. This is something we don’t what to experience as a research it’s so hard if you are experiencing a panic attack I can’t imagine how difficult this is.

  35. Knowing the symptoms of panic attacks is very important in being able to implement some of those wonderful suggestions early, to decrease how long one has to deal with it. Thanks for sharing!

  36. Thanks for writing up this very useful and informative post. This kind of knowledge is a must especially one you are people close to you going through tough phases.

  37. Panic attacks are the worst, I have anxiety so I have had many in my time. I was thinking about making a post about panic attacks soon so I guess great minds think a like 🙂 Its great to see more people spreading awareness on mental health!

  38. Kristine Nicole Alessandra

    I suffered panic attacks as a child. Every day when my dad dropped me off at school, I would start to feel an extreme fear of being left alone. I would run after my dad as he drove away. I was fortunate that my guidance counselor recognized the symptoms and discussed it with my parents. I still have panic attacks as an adult, but not as intense as the ones I had as a child.

  39. I’ve definitely had my fair share of panic attacks and this hit the nail on the head. It actually helps to know what’s going on because part of the scary part is the feeling of not knowing what’s going on with your body.

  40. I have only experienced ONE panic attack in my entire life thus far and it was insane. I had NEVER felt anything like what I felt that day and I truly hope to NEVER feel that ever again. I feel so sad for those who experience anxiety on the regular, I can’t even imagine what life must be like what that!

  41. You did an excellent job sharing what it is like to have a panic attack. Many people do not recognize it while it is happening to them and it can be overwhelming. Seeking professional help is very important.

  42. thanks for the ways to stop panic attack – I will try all of it. Im having these issue for years now but behavioral/ mental health is not covered by my insurance and its expensive to seek help.

  43. My MIL has panic attacks. The slightest thing that worries her easily progresses to panic attacks. Her family dismisses is as all in her head. I’ve tried talking them into letting her see a doctor but sadly, most families here in our country don’t take these things seriously.

  44. Catherine Santiago Jose

    I have never had experience panic attack even anxiety maybe because I have people who always reminded at me that everything will be alright and they are supporting me in every way or path that I and going to take.

  45. blair villanueva

    I used to have this feeling – then my boyfriend always told me to “calm down” because nothing will do good if I always worry.
    Then I learned to let go and take my time – now I can deal with it properly 😀

  46. I have some friends, whom I know are suffering from this. Maybe raising awareness, by sharing this will help people understand them or even help them somehow.

  47. That’s a very informative and helpful post which will help many people who suffers from stress, anxiety and panic attack.

  48. Often we do not realize that when we are experiencing panic attacks but now I know what symptoms can categorize into an attack. I neglected it thinking that it must be because I have a habit of freaking out at trivial things. I shall try out medication and picture being myself happy in such situations

  49. I know i’ve been here a few times. Modern life is very stressful and demanding. The fight or flight response is constantly being triggered but then we have nothing to release the adrenaline into. I find passive aggressive types the worst to deal with and the most to create stress and anxiety in the people around them. I think we could learn a thing or two from the wise people in the East.

  50. I honestly didn’t realize there weere so many symptoms to a panic attack. I think there’s still a stigma around panic attacks, so I appreciate th light you have brought to this topic.

  51. I had never heard of behavioural therapy before! I will definitely research it, some of my clients will benefit from that. Thank you!

  52. Understanding things we can’t see a cause for in others is hard. We accept physical illness we can’t see, we should all try to be a little more understanding of those mental struggles as well.

  53. I usually suffer panic attacks during social interactions in person (cuz I have social anxiety) and the last time I suffered from these was during my exam weeks.

  54. I’ve suffered from panic attacks off and on since my twenties. My first one landed me in the emergency room – I thought I was having a heart attack. After 3 days of tests, it was determined that it was a panic attack. Just knowing what it was seemed to make it easier to deal with the next time it happened.
    About a year ago, I had one out of nowhere, riding in the backseat of a friend’s sports car – I couldn’t get out of that car fast enough. Made him pull over and let me out – I walked the couple of miles back home, just glad to be able to breathe!
    Thanks for sharing 🙂

  55. Personally, I’ve never had a panic attack, but I think it’s great to be aware so that maybe one day I can offer assistance or support to someone who is. The post provided some insightful information about extreme anxiety that can lead to panic attacks.

  56. Personally, I’ve never had a panic attack, but I think it’s great to be aware so that maybe one day I can offer assistance or support to someone who is. The post provided some insightful information about extreme anxiety that can lead to panic attacks. Thanks so much for sharing this post

  57. I have experienced panic attacks I do now know when they are going to surface and how to deal with them but before I got to know myself boy did I have a hard time. Thanks for the information and knowing someone else knows makes things better

  58. I know my daughter’s mom has had to deal with panic attacks quite frequently. She needed medication for immediate symptoms and then therapy for long-term issues. But I had a friend’s brother it happened to and it permanently changed him, which was sad.

  59. You did a remarkable job of walking us through the world of a person with deep depression. My heart feels for you.

  60. Panic or anxiety attacks can be so debilitating that one would be wise to seek medical attention for them. You did a brilliant job of shedding light on the subject.

  61. Konstantina Antoniadou

    I started having panic attacks 5 years ago and I coudn’t hadle them at all for sooo long. It took me a while to realise what they really were. Fortunately the people in my life help me a lot.

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