PANIC ATTACKS – What do they feel like?

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions. This can happen we cannot shake anxious feelings and it becomes overwhelming. Although panic attacks themselves aren’t life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life.

People can experience a panic attack both when there is a real danger or even with no apparent cause. When panic attacks occur, you might feel you’re losing control of your emotions, having a heart attack, or even dying. Some of the symptoms are a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, sweating, and feeling confused.

Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you’ve had recurrent, long-term anxiety, unexpected panic attacks or have spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you should check with your primary care doctor for physical reasons. If you are in good health and the anxiety isn’t physical, therapy and medication may be helpful. Call for an appointment to see one of our licensed counselors.