What Is a Panic Attack?
A sudden surge of terror hits out of nowhere. Your heart pounds. You feel like you’re going crazy. What you’re feeling is a panic attack. It could happen anywhere—the grocery store, the mall, your car. During a panic attack, the body misinterprets an ordinary situation as an awful, terrifying event. Caused by a misfiring of chemicals in the brain, panic attacks are common. Fortunately, they are also treatable.
Symptoms of a Panic Attack
You may feel some of these symptoms:
Terror or dread
Racing or pounding heartbeat, chest pains
Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea
Smothering sensation, trouble breathing
Flushes or chills
A sense of unreality; fear of losing control
What to Do During an Attack
Remind yourself that your body is having a false alarm. Nothing bad will happen to you. You’ve survived attacks before, and you will this time, too.
Try not to think frightening thoughts about what might happen. You won’t die or go crazy.
Don’t fight your feelings. Let them come. Ride them out. Focus on a task like counting backward from 100. Think about someplace relaxing, such as a tropical island or quiet meadow. Ask your doctor or counselor to suggest other relaxation techniques.
Overcoming the Fear
Fear of a panic attack can make you miserable, but you can overcome it. Ask your doctor or counselor for help, and remember these tips:
Keep in mind that places and activities don’t cause attacks. Separate the attack from the situation. Make an effort not to avoid the situation in the future.
Don’t give in to the temptation to use alcohol or unprescribed drugs as an escape. In the long run, they will only add to your problems.
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