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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:
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Terror or dread
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Racing or pounding heartbeat, chest pains
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Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea
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Smothering sensation, trouble breathing
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Flushes or chills
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A sense of unreality; fear of losing control
What to Do During an Attack
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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.
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Try not to think frightening thoughts about what might happen. You won’t die or go crazy.
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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:
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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.
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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.