Do you suddenly experience feelings of distress and anxiety, with the fear that it’s going to overwhelm you? Perhaps you feel chest pain and pins and needles and a sudden sense of terror in the most inappropriate places? These may be symptoms of panic attacks.

Panic attacks are relatively common. An attack can involve a variety of symptoms that occur when you experience extreme anxiety. And the most challenging thing is that it can happen at any time; especially when you least want it to happen.

Why do panic attacks happen?

Panic attacks often happen for no apparent reason. You might be having a lovely day, and then something triggers an attack; you suddenly experience an overwhelming sense of fear, phobia or apprehension. Other things that can bring on a panic attack could stem from PTSD.

Am I experiencing panic attack signs?

The common panic attack signs are:

• Sudden nausea or stomach upset
• Trembling and sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Hot flushes
• Choking feeling or shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Pins and needles
• Numbness
• Sudden feeling of dread or fear
• Tingling in your fingers
• Sudden terror

A panic attack can cause an experience known as “depersonalisation” where you suddenly feel entirely detached from the situation, your surroundings, and your body; like an abrupt out-of-body experience.

It might feel like you’re about to have a heart attack. A panic attack is extremely distressing and thoroughly exhausting.

What to do if you experience panic attack symptoms

If you recognise the symptoms of panic attacks, you’ll be glad to know that there’s help available from this distressing condition.

Panic attacks affect your quality of life and can be extremely unpredictable.

Luckily, there’s a range of therapeutic approaches available that can help you diminish the intensity of your attacks, recognise the symptoms, and provide coping strategies that prevent the start of an attack.

Remember: you’re not on your own. There are people who can help.

SupportRoom’s experienced therapists can help you find the right approach to treating the symptoms of your attacks while addressing the causes.

Therapy on your terms

Get face-to-face, online help from a highly-qualified therapist who can help you regain control.