What happens during a severe panic attack can be a deeply unsettling and overwhelming experience. Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that can occur without warning. They often strike during times of stress or anxiety, but sometimes they can happen seemingly out of the blue. Understanding the physical and psychological symptoms that accompany a severe panic attack is crucial for those who suffer from them and for those who want to support them.
During a severe panic attack, the body enters a state of hyperarousal, triggered by the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This physiological response can lead to a range of physical symptoms that can be quite distressing. Here are some of the common signs:
1. Rapid heartbeat and palpitations: The body’s natural response to stress is to increase heart rate, which can result in a pounding or racing sensation in the chest.
2. Shortness of breath or rapid breathing: The body may perceive a need for more oxygen, leading to rapid and shallow breathing, which can cause a sensation of suffocation.
3. Dizziness or lightheadedness: The drop in blood pressure that occurs during a panic attack can cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
4. Chills or hot flashes: The body’s temperature regulation may be disrupted, leading to chills or sudden waves of heat.
5. Trembling or shaking: Muscle tension can result in trembling or shaking throughout the body.
6. Nausea or stomach discomfort: The digestive system may react to the stress, causing nausea or stomach cramps.
7. Feeling dizzy or unbalanced: The sensory system may become overwhelmed, leading to a sense of dizziness or unsteadiness.
8. Chest pain or discomfort: Some individuals may experience chest pain, which can be mistaken for a heart attack.
9. Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering: The feeling of not getting enough air can be extremely distressing.
10. Feeling disconnected from oneself or reality: A sense of detachment from one’s surroundings or a loss of touch with reality can occur during a panic attack.
In addition to the physical symptoms, a severe panic attack can also bring on a variety of psychological symptoms:
1. Intense fear or discomfort: The most prominent symptom is a feeling of impending doom or a sense of terror.
2. Feeling out of control: The individual may feel as though they are losing control of their thoughts, emotions, and body.
3. Fear of dying: The physical symptoms can lead to a belief that the individual is about to die or suffer a heart attack.
4. Fear of losing sanity: The overwhelming nature of the attack can cause a fear that one is losing one’s mind.
5. Feelings of unreality or depersonalization: The individual may feel as though they are watching themselves from outside their body or that the world around them is surreal.
6. Intense need to escape: The desire to flee from the situation or location where the attack is occurring can be overwhelming.
It’s important to note that while a severe panic attack can be frightening and distressing, it is not harmful to one’s health. Most panic attacks last only a few minutes, although they can seem much longer. However, the fear of having another attack can lead to avoidance behaviors and anxiety about future attacks, which can further complicate the individual’s life.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe panic attacks, it is essential to seek professional help. Therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can all be effective in managing panic attacks and reducing their frequency and intensity. With proper treatment, many individuals can learn to cope with panic attacks and live a fulfilling life.
