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 DYINGIt’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 BEATWhile your having a panic attack your heart can skip a beat or just feel off.HOT AND COLD CHILLSFeeling clammy or sweaty is often a common symptom of a panic attack.DIZZINESSPeople have reported feeling dizzy or lightheaded while having a panic attack. I even had a client faint during a panic episode.RACING AND IRRATIONAL THOUGHTSOne 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 CHESTIntense 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 VISIONThe 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 BODYEven though a panic attack is an emotion it can cause problems with your body. The best way to treat a panic attSupport the showRate the show: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider providing an honest rating of the show here www.mentalhealthtodayshow.com/reviews/new .Disclaimer: The Mental Health Today Show is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as therapy. If you are seeking therapy, please contact a licensed therapist for help.Ready for weekly tips to quiet overthinking and reclaim mental freedom? Subscribe to The Mental Freedom newsletter, actionable insights delivered for high achievers and overthinkers. Sign up here: https://johncordray.me/subscribe From John Cordray, LPC – Creator of MyndStill app @JohnCordrayLPC on X/LinkedIn Informational support only—not a substitute for professional therapy.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy