What does it feel like when you have a panic attack?

Answer 1

First of all, it comes out of the blue, and you think you're losing your mind.
I had my first of several panic atttacks while driving on the L.A. freeways. All of a sudden, I had this feeling I was going to fast and that I was going to lose control of the vehicle. My heart started racing, I began panting, my palms became sweaty and I turned pale. I kept driving, but couldn't shake the thought that I was going to spin out of control. This led me to thinking that if I imagined it, I may actually make it happen, sort of a sel-fulflling prophecy.
I pulled over in to the slow lane wondering how many other drivers were out there on the freeway having the same problem.
I went to see a therapist who said that while we can keep stress bottled up, sometimes it rises to the surface and takes over. So, I'd try and discover your major stressors and deal with them.
Another effect - the fear of having another panic attack can often trigger a panic attack. That's how I felt for months afterwards every time I drove.

Answer 2

Feels awful...tight chest, breathing problems, feeling of impending disaster...generally freaking out...dizzy feel like you are going to pass out...it really stinks...but...
I just need to add this and it may not apply at all, but I was diagnosed with panic attacks about ten years ago and it turns out it was not that at all...it was an adult developed allergy to shell fish, same exact syptoms and the only reason I bring it up is cause I almost died on the last one before they finally figuired it out...it can kill you so I thought I would be remiss for not mentioning it...I went to ER 5 times...finally they asked if i had had shellfish...got the scratch test and that was it...just wanted to say that incase you are assuming a panic attack is what you have and it may not me...call me mother...!!!!

Answer 3

I have had them, but don't anymore...They can last as long as 20 minutes. Everyone has different symptoms...You can get any and all of the following: Rapid Heart Beat, Feel Like you Can't catch your breath, shoulder pain, arm pain, dizziness, light headedness, numbness in your extremities, see spots in front of your eyes, sick to your stomach, vomiting or diarrhea or both, chills, shaking. There are tons of other symptoms...try deep relaxing breaths, counting to 4, hold, release for 4...repeat that 10 times. Know in your head that it is a panic attack and it will pass.

Answer 4

When i have my panic attacks its usually while im away from home shopping, i get tunnel vision i feel like im in a dream, break out into a cold sweat, chest pain, feel nausea, frightened,heart palpitations, just want to drop everything & run, & ive done that b4, just left my shopping & gone home without it cuz i couldnt stand being in there, i just ran out & left my groceries, i thought i was dieing.

Answer 5

just like a heart attack...thats why so many ppl end up in emergency rooms thinking they are having a heart attack when its just a panic attack. racing pulse, sweats, chest pains that run across the chest arms and upper back, trouble breathing...its very scary.

Answer 6

Symptoms may vary, but you may feel:

Rapid heart beat,
Shortness of breath,
Shaking,
Sweating,
Feelings of dream-like state; like things are not "real",
Feeling of impending death

More than anything its like a feeling of losing control-- almost like you're going crazy. It's really horrible.

Answer 7

* Racing or pounding heartbeat
* Chest pains
* Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea
* Difficulty breathing
* Tingling or numbness in the hands
* Flushes or chills
* Dreamlike sensations or perceptual distortions
* Terror - a sense that something unimaginably horrible is about to occur and one is powerless to prevent it
* Fear of losing control and doing something embarrassing
* Fear of dying

Answer 8

It's like there's a chemical in your body that makes it impossible to calm down. You hear yourself saying things you know you shouldn't---it's literally like being controlled by someone else.

Answer 9

I couldn't breathe and thought I was having an allergic reaction to something. It effects people differently.

Answer 10

usually you feel paniced.