If you've had a panic attacks you understand what it feels like. If nevertheless you have had a stressed experience and you aren't confident that it was caused by panic, take a look at the symptoms below and do a fast self examination.
A panic fit has 2 parts. The first is mental or emotional. The brain perceives a danger that isn't actually there. You develop an overpowering impression of fear. You are certain something shocking is going to occur to you. This 'something' could be well defined or it would simply be a feeling. It doesn't actually count because to you, it's extraordinarily real and that's what triggers the physical part of the assault.
as you perceive a hazard, your brain teaches the body to go into the fight or flight mode that we all obtain. Adrenalin is produced and released into the body. Muscle tense prepared to battle or flee. Respiring becomes more rapid to get additional oxygen to the muscles. Your heart rate hikes to get additional blood to the muscles. Your body is tuned to defend itself or move.
the problem naturally is you don't do either.
It's slightly like revving up an engine and never placing it in gear. If you maintain it revving long enough without going anyplace it will overheat or lock up. Your body is now revving up and unless you provide it some substantial freedom like fighting or running, it will 'overheat'.
you will experience the muscles in your neckline and upper body stiffen up. Respiring and swallowing may become tricky. Your heart will be beating like a trip sledge hammer. There might be tingling in your feet and hands. Sound memorable? These are matching to some of the indicators of a cardiac arrest or stroke.
So your body's reply to your irrational panic is real, and that validates the misguided fear. It is a unpleasant loop.
Not all panic attacks are as dreadful as described above. Usually they happen in waves with smaller attacks leading to larger ones. If you have experienced a feeling that'something just isn't right' and you can't explain what it is, it could be the beginning of the wave.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms, see your doctor and explain your issues to insure there's not a physical condition that's causing these fearful thoughts.
