At the onset of a panic attack, it may be difficult for you to distinguish whether it is serious or no, therefore you should educate yourself on the symptoms and causes of an attack. A panic attack can last from just a few minutes to an hour or so, but can seem like much longer. The first symptoms that you may notice are short, shallow breaths. Shortness of breath is often the most noticeable.
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Some common symptoms of panic attacks include:
- Tightening of the chest- It is not uncommon that people who experience a panic attack have the feeling that they are having a heart attack because of the pressure and tightening in their chest.
- Shaking and trembling- When having a panic attack, you may realize that your hands start to tremble and make it difficult to hold things, or do things with your hands, that were at one time not a problem. You may also start shaking because of the fear that you are experiencing. When you do not know exactly what is going on with your body while experiencing an attack. You may find this symptom difficult to deal with while in public because of embarrassment.
- Hot flashes- Some people often experience hot flashes during a panic attack, while other people will experience chills instead. It is also possible to not experience either one.
- Lightheadedness- The feeling of dizziness and a feeling that your surroundings are moving is also a symptom. This feeling of lightheadedness is often difficult to handle because you may have to sit down, or may start feeling nauseated.
- Nausea- Nausea is a symptom of panic attacks that can keep you running to the restroom or looking for a trashcan anywhere you are. It can also be very embarrassing.
- Fear you are dying- The fear that you are dying is a very common side-symptom of a panic attack. When you start to feel the tightening of your chest, and shortness of breath, it is not uncommon to think that you are dying. It may also cause you to choke or not being able to breathe at all.
- Tingling of phalanges, or fingers and toes- This feeling is also that of a heart attack but it does not mean you are experiencing one. It is often just a feeling that you have to wait until it goes away, and if it is a panic attack and not a heart attack, it will with time.
It is very common to seek help when you experience these symptoms because they can be hard to deal with when you are faced with them. Do not hesitate to get help if you think you are experiencing a panic attack. It could help you to keep from having any more and can help you to be sure that it is not something more than just a panic attack.
