What is a Panic Attack?

Have you ever become suddenly anxious and frightened to the point where your heart pounds quickly, your body sweats, and you are not able to breathe? If so, you have likely experienced a panic attack, which is a type of anxiety disorder.

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of overwhelming fear and anxiety that seemingly come out of nowhere. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there is no real reason or danger that provokes these panic attacks, meaning that they can happen anytime and anywhere – when you are out at a dinner party, when you are grocery shopping, when you are walking down the street, or even when you are sleeping. The intense fear triggers numerous physical reactions such as sweating, dizziness, a tight chest, racing pulse, and closing of the throat. Individuals who do not know what they are experiencing think they are losing control over their bodies, are having a heart attack, or even think they are about to die.

Panic attacks themselves are not life-threatening, but they affect the quality of a person’s life because they are so traumatic. Many people only experience one to two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and these events are usually brought on by stressful situations and go away on their own once the situations are resolved. For some people, panic attacks do not go away and become a recurring part of life. When people in this situation live in constant fear of getting another panic attack, the condition turns into a panic disorder.

While there is no way to prevent panic attacks from happening, individuals can address their underlying causes and work to reduce their overall stress. This includes getting treatment and seeking help from a therapist or doctor. Getting professional help can lessen the severity of panic attacks and reduce their frequency. Additionally, individuals can manage anxiety by sticking to a healthy lifestyle and staying physically active. Panic attacks are a serious threat to quality of life, and individuals suffering from them should seek counseling to regain a sense of normality in their lives.