Signs of a Panic Attack

panic attack - aaron-blanco-tejedor-VBe9zj-JHBs-unsplash

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Panic Attacks

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I had had panic attacks before, but quite mild and actually initially I didn’t realise that was what they were.  I always assumed that a panic attack was severe, kinda like the ones you see on TV and in films.  It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with PTSD that I realised that I had in fact been suffering from anxiety and panic attacks.  So what actually are the signs of a panic attack?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

What is a Panic Attack

A panic attack is when you experience a rush of extreme physical and mental symptoms. It can come on very quickly, be triggered by our surroundings or specific events.  However, a panic attack can also happen for no apparent reason.

A panic attack can be very frightening and upsetting.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Signs of a Panic Attack

  • Racing Heartbeat
  • Feeling Faint
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Chest Pain / Shortness of Breath
  • Hot Flushes / Chills
  • Trembling / Shaky Limbs
  • Feeling of Dread
  • Dizziness
  • Churning Stomach

For a fuller list of symptoms and more information on panic disorder, anxiety and panic attacks, see NHS UK[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Panic Disorder

Panic attacks are a symptom of Panic Disorder, which is an anxiety disorder.   

All of us experience feelings of anxiety and panic at times. In stressful or potentially dangerous situations, it is a completely natural response.

However those with panic disorder, find feelings of anxiety, stress and panic occur regularly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image media=”59139″ media_width_percent=”65″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

My Symptoms

For me I tend to find I suffer from shortness of breath, trembling, and I get extremely upset.  Obvious triggers for me are crowds and phone calls / video calls.  However Lockdown and COVID brought about a whole new set of triggers.  And I have to say like many others, my anxiety went through the roof, as did the amount of panic attacks I had.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Facts about Panic Attacks

  1. Panic attacks can occur while you’re asleep.
  2. Panic attacks don’t just occur with panic disorder.
  3. Diet and exercise can drastically reduce panic attacks.
  4. Panic attacks can occur expectedly or suddenly.
  5. Avoiding phobias can increase your fears.

Read more…[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you feel that you may be suffering from panic attacks or panic disorder then please seek professional help.

Websites to read

NHS UK

Mind.Org

Mental Health Foundation

Useful steps if you are having a panic attack are to focus on your breathing, focus on your senses and try some grounding techniques.

What are your triggers and what do you do to calm yourself during a panic attack?

Fay x

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_column_text]If you liked this post then you may like the following categories:

Wellbeing

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Or follow my Pinterest board, for even more information, tips and support:

How Felicity Finds | Mental Health | Motherhood | Much More

 

Featured Image Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image media=”59146″ media_width_percent=”70″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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