Understanding The Symptoms Of An Anxiety Attack
Many people don’t recognize an anxiety attack when they experience one for the first time. Anxiety or panic attacks can cause physical symptoms that frequently mirror other medical problems like heart issues and severe asthma attacks. Understanding panic attack symptoms can be crucial to learning how to cope with them. During a panic or anxiety attack, you may experience an overwhelming feeling of panic and a sense that you’re not in control. You may also have chest pains, heart palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, hyperventilation, and hot flashes or chills. It’s usually best to see a doctor if you’re experiencing any kind of chest pain, and a licensed therapist can help you learn to manage anxiety attacks and their associated symptoms.
Symptoms of an anxiety attack
Everyone can experience anxiety differently, but there are some symptoms that tend to be common with anxiety or panic attacks.
Overwhelming sense of panic
The first thing many people report when having a panic attack is usually an overwhelming sense of panic and fear. Physical symptoms may or may not follow. Anxiety attacks can feel somewhat different for everyone, but you may experience a fear of losing control and a sense of impending doom or danger. An irrational fear or traumatic event can bring on a panic attack, or it can be completely random.
Feeling like you’re no longer in control
During an anxiety attack, you may feel like you’ve lost control. This can be overwhelming, but it may be helpful to remember that the attack will likely pass, and you may feel better eventually.
Chest pains and heart palpitations
Chest pains can be a telltale sign of an anxiety attack for many people. The potential problem with this symptom may be that anxiety chest pain can mirror heart attack pain. Many people who aren’t aware that they have an anxiety disorder may assume they’re having a heart attack and go to the emergency room. Research shows that as many as 50% of people who come to the emergency room with low-risk chest pain have moderate to severe anxiety. (Note: If you have chest pain, it’s generally best to err on the side of caution and go to the ER to get evaluated immediately.)
Aside from chest pain from anxiety, some people having this disorder may also experience heart palpitations when they’re under a lot of stress. This symptom can occur as part of an anxiety attack or as a precursor to one. Either way, heart palpitations can be very unsettling. They are usually not serious, but it can still be best to speak to your doctor to ensure nothing serious is happening.
Dizziness and feeling like you could pass out
Dizziness may occur when you’re having an anxiety attack. Some people may have anxiety so strongly that they feel like they could faint. Passing out from an anxiety attack may be possible if you can’t calm yourself down. Of course, this is often easier said than done when you’re in the moment and attempting to cope with an anxiety disorder.
Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
Shortness of breath can be very common when people are going through anxiety issues. For example, if you have social anxiety disorder, feeling shortness of breath might not be unusual when you’re in public. However, it could also be the beginning of an anxiety attack.
Hot flashes or getting the chills
Sometimes you may experience hot flashes when you’re going through an anxiety attack. Not everyone with anxiety may experience this symptom, but it can be fairly common. Your face may get very hot, and you might start sweating profusely. Conversely, you may suddenly feel very cold and experience chills running up and down your body.
Anxiety or panic attacks aren’t “fake”
Managing panic attacks can be possible, but many people need the help of a licensed professional to learn how to cope with them. A doctor or therapist may diagnose any potential anxiety disorders, and you’ll likely be able to move forward from there.
Getting help for anxiety attacks and panic attacks
Now that you understand the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks, you can get the help you need. First, it can be helpful to have a conversation with your doctor about what you’re experiencing. Your doctor may want to run some tests to ensure that none of your physical symptoms are related to another disorder.
Many doctors prescribe medication to help people cope with anxiety attack symptoms, but research generally shows that cognitive behavioral therapy is the best treatment for anxiety disorders. Never start or stop any form of medication without the guidance of a licensed medical professional.
Going to therapy
A licensed therapist can help you learn about your anxiety, how to cope with it, and how to lessen the severity of anxiety attacks or potentially avoid them altogether. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tends to be an especially common form of anxiety therapy. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association, CBT is a “well-established, highly effective, and lasting treatment”.
CBT is generally based on a few core principles: that psychological problems are usually partially based on unhelpful ways of thinking and learned patterns of unhelpful behavior, and that people with psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them.
Get started with treatment
If you’re ready to get help for your anxiety, the first place to start may be with your doctor. If you experience symptoms of panic attacks, it’s typically best to rule out other causes first. If your doctor believes you are experiencing anxiety, they may suggest talking to a therapist. Note that not everyone with anxiety may experience panic and anxiety attacks. If you have anxiety symptoms without panic attacks, talking to a therapist can still help you learn how to manage them so they have less of an impact on your daily life.
Online therapy can have many benefits, especially for people with anxiety. Many people living with anxiety can find it intimidating to begin treatment. Connecting with a qualified professional online from the comfort of your own home can alleviate some of the stress and make it easier to find a licensed therapist who can meet your needs.
Research shows that online therapy for anxiety can be an effective treatment option. Research shows that online treatment was usually equally effective at treating anxiety as face-to-face sessions. Other studies show that online CBT generally leads to a 50% improvement in symptoms of multiple types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Takeaway
What does an anxiety attack feel like?
Symptoms of anxiety attacks include dizziness, shortness of breath, overwhelming fear, feeling tense or on edge, a churning feeling in one’s stomach, chest pain, and intense dread.
In the long term, anxiety disorders can cause ongoing muscle tension that can contribute to physical health problems like chronic pain. Additionally, anxiety attacks aren’t formally recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), though panic attacks and panic disorders are.
Can anxiety attacks make you cry?
Yes. For some people, excessive or atypical crying is a symptom of severe stress—including that caused by anxiety disorders.
How can you prevent future attacks?
The best way to prevent further (often unexpected) attacks is to tackle the source. If they’re originating from a stressful environment, then a change of scenery may be in order. Attacks caused by an anxiety disorder like social phobia may require additional help from a psychiatrist, therapist, or other mental health professional who can guide you through treatment options.
Are there any organizations that can provide guidance on managing anxiety?
Yes, there are several, including the ones listed below:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. This organization hosts support groups and offers free information on mental illness.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Has a database of mental health research and provides funding and information about clinical trials.
- American Psychiatric Association. A professional organization that provides a variety of resources for both patients and people working in the mental health field.
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America. This anxiety disorders–focused association offers webinars, self-help books, support networks, help finding a therapist, and more.
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