What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?
Your heart is racing and you feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest. You swear you're having a heart attack -- but is it?? You've had sensations in your body before that felt similar, on a much lower level, which makes you wonder -- What does a panic attack feel like? (Read more below video.)
What does a panic attack feel like?
We've talked before about anxiety and how to know if you have anxiety, so let's start there. Our nervous system is composed of that fight/flight/freeze part of our brain that alerts us to danger. When this happens and we feel anxious, our heart rate can increase, breathing becomes more shallow, it's hard to concentrate, and you feel extra energy coursing through your body as cortisol is released. A panic attack is "next level" anxiety -- it can feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest and breathing can become so restricted that you might be concerned that you are having a cardiac episode, such as a heart attack. It might feel like your world is closing in on you. A panic attack is your brain's and body's way of getting your attention.
How to calm a panic attack:
Regulating your breathing is a great option to ease a panic attack, but can be a bit of a challenge with you're already having a hard time breathing. Having someone or something to help you get centered back in the present moment, outside of the uncomfortable sensations in your body. Moving your body to expend some of that extra energy might help. Often time, a significant change in temperature -- such as holding an ice cube or taking a cold shower -- can help ease symptoms of a panic attack.
Why does it happen?
When we go through a particularly stressful period of time, such as a job loss, divorce, medical diagnosis, we are more prone to having a panic attack as our brains work through the threat of these events. If your stress level is significantly increased, and you've just had one or two of these incidents, know that it is likely (hopefully!) temporary. However, what we see more often at Harper Therapy is people who have ongoing episodes of panic attack as a result of unresolved trauma. The hope is that by not thinking about the memories that they will simply go away. However, the brain is still triggered by anything that looks like, smells like, sounds like, tastes like, or feels like those memories. In these cases, the panic attacks don't go away (actually, they usually worsen) until the trauma is processed. This means seeking professional help.
This is what we do
At Harper Therapy, we specialize in helping you work through the hard memories so that your brain is not on such high alert. We are highly trained in trauma therapies that allow you to find hope and healing.
Call 813-434-3639 to schedule an appointment, or use the form below to request a free consultation.
Alina Klein, MSW Intern
Alina specializes in helping women and teen girls get a handle on anxiety and traumatic events in order to live a purposeful, peaceful, well-connected life.
