What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?
If you are unsure of whether you have been experiencing panic attacks, here's is an example of what a panic attack feels like. Imagine you are in the departure lounge waiting to board a plane. The panic attack symptoms start with an unpleasant feeling at the back of your throat, then your chest feels tighter, now a sudden shortness of breath, and what do you know—your heart skips a beat. “Please, God, not here.”
You make a quick scan of the territory—is it threatening? The people standing near you in the queue aren't looking very friendly. Pins and needles seem to prick you through your left arm, you feel slightly dizzy, and then the explosion of fear as you dread the worst. You are about to have a panic attack. It could be worse, if you have never experienced a panic attack before your fear might make this panic attack feel like a heart attack.
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There is no doubt in your mind now that this is going to be a big one. Okay, time for you to focus. You know how to deal with this – at least you hope you do! Start breathing deeply - in through the nose, out through the mouth. Think relaxing thoughts, and again, while breathing in, think “Relax,” and then breathe out. But it doesn't seem to be having any positive effect; in fact, just concentrating on breathing is making you feel self-conscious and more uptight. Maybe if you just try to relax your muscles. Tense both shoulders, hold for 10 seconds, then release. Try it again. Nope, still no difference.
The anxiety is getting worse and the very fact that you are out of coping techniques worsens your panic. If only you were surrounded by your family, or a close friend were beside you so you could feel more confident in dealing with this situation. Now, the adrenaline is really pumping through your system, your body is tingling with uncomfortable sensations, and now the dreaded feeling of losing complete control engulfs your emotions. No one around you has any idea of the sheer terror you are experiencing. They might notice your agitation and eye you with suspicion. Maybe they think you are carrying a bomb onto the plane!
You realize you are out of options. It's time to run. There's no way that you are going to get on that plane. Then you think of the embarrassment that you will experience when you have to explain to your friends and family why you didn't get on the plane. What's worse getting on board the plane or the facing humiliation and embarrassment that you will experience if you return home? Then you realize your baggage is already on the plane!
You wonder whether or not this one was the big one. The one you fear will push you over the edge mentally and physically. Ten minutes later the panic subsides. You are eventually the last person to board the plane.
If you suffer from panic or anxiety attacks, the above scenario probably sounds very familiar. It may have even induced feelings of anxiety and panic just reading it. The particular situations that trigger your panic and anxiety may differ. Maybe the bodily sensations are a little different.
If you don't suffer from panic attacks then hopefully this article will have answered the question "what does a panic attack feel like?" and given you a better understanding of what people go through when they experience them. What's important to realize is that panic attacks are very real to the people who are having them and they need other people to understand them.