Panic attacks are scary, and they can come on quickly. However, what does a panic attack feel like? If people have never had them, how do they know when they have one? To understand how panic attacks feel, they have to know the facts and myths about them. After that, they can seek out Santé Center for Healing’s anxiety treatment program and discover how, with the right support, panic attacks can be managed and reduced.
What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?
When a panic attack happens, it comes on fast. They tend to peak within 10 minutes. The suddenness of a panic attack can make those suffering from it believe they are having a heart attack or seizure. This is because the symptoms of a panic attack mimic those of other physical conditions. Because of this, undergoing a panic attack can be terrifying for the individual.
When doctors diagnose panic attacks, they look for certain symptoms. These are identified after the panic attack has passed and individuals are in care. People need at least four of these signs of a panic attack, which include:
- Nausea and dizziness
- Feeling cold or hot
- Sweating or trembling
- Chest pains and racing heart
- Feeling detached from oneself
- Fear of dying
Keep in mind that these are not all of the symptoms of panic attacks. Some people also experience choking and numbing sensations. When they have four of these symptoms at the same time, they probably experience panic attacks. While these symptoms and others are used to determine if an individual endured a panic attack after the fact, learning to recognize them in yourself or others is a good first step in getting the mental health treatment necessary.
Two Prevalent Myths About Panic Attacks
A panic attack is a real medical condition. Yet there are some persistent myths about them, such as:
- Panic attacks feel the same to everyone: Since there are very common signs of a panic attack, people often think they feel the same for everyone. When doctors ask people to describe a panic attack, they often have very different answers. One reason is that people don’t describe things the same way. However, the other reason is that panic attacks don’t feel quite the same to everyone. Because of that, some people feel a rush of heat or like they are flush, while others feel cold. For people who don’t understand this fact to pinpoint the symptoms of panic attacks.
- Panic attacks are just an overreaction: When people describe what a panic attack feels like, some of them write it off as an overreaction. Others think that these feelings are part of being overly dramatic. Beyond popular belief, panic attacks are involuntary. As a result, people can’t control them. Why do people often think that panic attacks are a dramatization? One reason is that not everyone gets them. When people have panic attacks from events that don’t cause the symptoms in others, they think that it’s an overreaction. Another reason is that many of the symptoms are internal, so people can’t see them. However, certain things can make people more prone to panic attacks. For example, those who struggle with mental illness are more likely to experience panic attacks. Also, those who experience stressful situations have panic attacks often.
Let Sante Center for Healing Show You How to Manage Panic Attacks in Healthy Ways
Panic attacks are physical expressions of underlying mental health issues. They can severely hinder one’s professional and personal life. Yet, they don’t have to cast a shadow over people. With the right support and a patient therapeutic approach, individuals can greatly reduce the likelihood of suffering from panic attacks in the future. Santé Center for Healing is here to help you manage your panic attacks and overall mental health. We can tell you about what does a panic attack feels like. Also, our staff offers several mental health services to help you, such as:
- Art therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Family therapy
- Fitness therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Meditation therapy
- Psychodrama therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Yoga therapy
Don’t let a lack of understanding about panic attacks lead you to substance abuse. Learn more about what does a panic attack feels like so that you can seek help. Contact Santé Center for Healing anytime at 866.238.3154 for more information.
