Panic Attacks

Human beings experience panic when they are in a situation of danger, triggering a normal “fight or flight” instinct to help them get out of a situation that is potentially threatening to their lives.

A panic attack, however, is a sudden surge of overwhelming fear that arises without a distinct situation of danger. It is far more intense than a common feeling of being “stressed out”. Some people feel as though they are suffocating, having a heart attack, or fear they are dying. While terrifying and stressful, a panic attack is not dangerous and will go away on its own.

Symptoms

  • racing heartbeat
  • difficulty breathing, feeling as though you “can’t get enough air”
  • terror that is almost paralyzing
  • dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea
  • trembling, sweating, shaking
  • choking, chest pains
  • hot flashes, or sudden chills
  • tingling in fingers or toes (“pins and needles”)
  • fear that you’re about to die, or you’re losing touch with reality

A panic attack is marked by the following conditions:

  • occurs suddenly, without warning
  • level of fear is extremely high, without any environmental threat or danger
  • passes within a few minutes; the body cannot sustain the “fight or flight” response for a long period of time, however, repeated attacks may continue to recur for hours.

Panic Disorder

A panic disorder is marked by repeated and unexpected panic attacks. People who are suffering from panic disorder typically fear they are going to experience more panic attacks, and as a result they avoid people, places, and situations that they have identified as potential triggers for a panic attack.

Panic disorder can be caused by, or can cause, phobias and other mental health challenges such as depression, substance abuse, and physical health complications. It ranges from mild (social impairment) to severe (complete inability to face the outside world).

Treatment

If you are, or suspect that you may be, experiencing panic attacks, a mental health professional can help you build strong, positive coping strategies to resolve the challenges, and regain control of your life.

An Encompas care manager can help connect with you with a mental health professional that has experience treating panic attacks and panic disorders. Please contact us for more information.

Sources

American Psychological Association. (2020). Answers to your questions about panic disorders.
Retrieved from: http://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/panic-disorder.aspx

Canadian Mental Health Association. (2016). Phobias and panic disorders.
Retrieved from: http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/phobias-and-panic-disorders/