Knowing the symptoms can provide a sense of relief. For many, the onset of a panic attack can be very frightening. In some instances, a panic attack can feel very much like a heart attack. This can be an extremely frightening scenario to experience. However, understanding whether or not a panic attack is occurring can reduce the fear. More importantly, understanding the symptoms always you to realize what is occurring which can lead to finding the proper treatment. So, let’s explore the common symptoms one will experience when a panic attack ensues.

A racing heart is probably the most common symptom. This is the symptom that mimics the sensation of a heart attack. Essentially, when anxiety levels reach a certain extreme point, the heart will start beating uncontrollably. This will lead to labored breathing and a pounding in the chest. As such, this symptom can be considered the most frightening component of a panic attack.

A feeling of dizziness will overcome the person suffering from a panic attack. This can be the result of a number of factors. A racing heart and labored breathing pattern can lead to lightheadedness. Nervousness can also create the disoriented feeling that can cause the sense of dizziness one can embody. This feeling can come with other resultant feeling such as hot and cold flashes. When these problems are combined together, a thoroughly disoriented state of mind may occur.

We know that anxiety can lead to sleep disturbances, some may wonder why it occurs. The reasons that the two occur hand in hand is largely the result of restlessness and hyperactivity. When you are suffering from anxiety related racing thought and mental noise, make the ability to calm down elusive. Of coures this plays on itself as sleep is a very important factor in reducing and eliminating anxiety.

Depersonalization is, essentially, a form of anxiety induced out of body experience. That means the person experiencing depersonalization feels completely detached from his or her physical state. Instead of being one of both body and mind, a mental state develops where the individual seems detached and removed from their physical being. Of course, this is merely a pained mental state that is the result of extreme anxiety and confusion.

Derealization is similar to depersonalization in the sense one feels detached. However, with this mental state, the person does not feel detached from the physical body. Instead, the individual will feel detached from the environment he/she is surrounded by. Some may assume this can create a sense of wonder, but it assuredly does not. Instead, it can create a sense of confusion and disorientation. After all, anyone that feels removed from a particular environment will realize something is wrong and may panic as a result. Actually, the same could be said of a person experiencing depersonalization.

Mild phobias certainly have their place in the natural harmony of how the mind works. However, severe and intense feelings of anxiety are certainly not helpful. This is because they do not aid in helping a person maintain their defenses, Often, they break down a person’s ability to make proper judgement and care for oneself.

Agoraphobia is misunderstood as many people do not realize that the condition is an anxiety disorder. Specifically, it is a condition where anxiety derives from fear of unfamiliar conditions and environments. For example, a person who is fearful of open spaces or unfamiliar regions probably would have a difficult time in a rural area. Of course, the numbers of environments a person suffering from agoraphobia can be fearful of are vast. The environments may vary but the end result can be the same. That is, the environments can yield a panic attack.

While panic attacks are certainly a serious problem, they can be treated. This is why understanding the symptoms are so important. Such an understanding is a precursor to proper treatment.

Fear is conquered by action
When we challenge our fears, we defeat them.
When we grapple with our difficulties,
They lose their hold upon us.
When we dare to face the
Things which scare us,
We open the door to freedom.