Imagine you’re out in public with some friends - perhaps in a crowded shopping centre or in class at school. All of a sudden, you feel your stomach drop. Your chest starts to tighten. Your breathing fastens with quick shallow breaths, and you can’t feel your arms. It feels as if the world around you is closing in. “Am I going crazy?” you wonder. “Am I having a heart attack?”.

The above is a familiar scenario for someone who has experienced a panic attack. It is a very unpleasant experience, and can often lead the person to want to avoid particular situations due to fear of experiencing another panic attack.

What are the symptoms of a panic attack?

Not everyone experiences panic attacks the same way. Below is a list of common panic attack symptoms. If you’re feeling at least four of them, you may be having a panic attack.

• Sweating

• Dizziness

• Increased heart rate

• Throat tightening

• Chest pain

• Chills

• Hot flashes

• Nausea

• Numbness

• Hyperventilation / Increased breathing

• A fear of losing control or dying

There are two main types of panic attack - the first being triggered by a particular situation, such as someone who notices their panic symptoms most often while they are driving in busy traffic, and what we call ‘out of the blue’ panic attacks, which feel more random and like they could occur anywhere without a specific trigger.

At our Brisbane psychologist clinic, we treat all types of panic attacks and panic symptoms, and can help you to live with less anxiety attacks and help you to confidently face situations that may have been avoided due to fear.

If you would like assistance for you or a loved one experiencing panic symptoms, get in touch with our friendly team about booking in an appointment to start on the path to recovery.