JCS 059: What Panic Attacks Feel Like

What Panic Attacks Feel Like

Am I Having A Heart Attack?

Yes, it’s possible that what you think is a heart attack is actually a very intense and out of control emotion. Often, panic attacks feel like something much more ominous than what it really is.

Panic attacks (also called anxiety attacks) can feel very scary and are often confused with heart attacks. It’s true that the symptoms of a panic attacks can mimic a heart attack, but the two are very different.

One is emotional the other is physical.

I want to be very clear here. If you think you’re having a heart attack please go to the hospital right away. Don’t try to convince yourself that it’s nothing.

It’s something.  Don’t ignore it.

PANIC ATTACKS FEEL LIKE YOU’RE DYING

It’s far better to go to the hospital thinking you’re having a heart attack (but you’re experiencing a panic attack instead) than the other way around.

Panic attacks can feel very scary and a natural thought is  – you’re dying! Many people who have panic attacks think they are going to die (which makes the panic even worse).

Panic attacks can have adverse effects on your body.

RAPID OR IRREGULAR HEART BEAT

While your having a panic attack your heart can skip a beat or just feel off.

HOT AND COLD CHILLS

Feeling clammy or sweaty is often a common symptom of a panic attack.

DIZZINESS

People have reported feeling dizzy or lightheaded while having a panic attack. I even had a client faint during a panic episode.

RACING AND IRRATIONAL THOUGHTS

One of the most common symptoms of a panic attack (not surprisingly) are the racing thoughts. Feelings of impending doom, the intense need to escape a current situation and experience weird and bizarre thoughts are associated with panic attacks.

TIGHTENING OF YOUR CHEST

Intense anxiety can also cause a tightening of your chest and sometimes the chest pain can feel unbearable, to the point of being out of breath.

BLURRED VISION

The inability to see straight can also be caused by panic attacks. Blurred vision is often the reason for feeling dizzy during the panic attack.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR MIND AND BODY

Even though a panic attack is an emotion it can cause problems with your body.  The best way to treat a panic attack is to take preventative measures.

Panic attacks feel like your body is going to craw out of its skin. That’s because your emotions are taking over your body. Your body and your emotions must work in tandem if you want to feel better.

SLOW DOWN

Learn to “smell the flowers” and don’t be in such a hurry all the time. Plan out your day and your schedule and build in time so you don’t have to rush.

TAKE BREAKS

Having to get things done is one thing, but getting things done at the expense of your health is another. Learn to take breaks through out your day. Get up and get moving, even if its only for 5 or 10 minutes. Get up from your desk and go for a walk, get a drink of water, go talk with a friend.

You’ll find that taking breaks will actually make you more productive.

SET LIMITS

Saying no to others and to your busy schedule can be the best thing you do all day.  You simply can NOT do everything for everyone.

If you find it hard to set boundaries to the point of feeling overwhelmed (you need to learn fast) or you’re going to suffer BIG TIME in the end.

I would love to hear about how your panic attacks feel in the comment section below.

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John's Website: www.johncordray.com