Identify Your Panic or Anxiety Attack

Panic or anxiety attacks are becoming more and more common among the population. These are not a sign of any mental disorder or deficiency, but often purely the result of stress. They seem to come on for no particular reason in some people, and, for others, they are triggered by something specific such as being in a crowded place.

People are often frightened by the sudden onset of symptoms and can even confuse a panic or anxiety attack with a heart attack or other acute malady. While they are, of course, worrying and unpleasant, they are not of serious threat to your life.

Here are some of the basic signs and symptoms of a panic or anxiety attack, and what you should do to alleviate them.

Shortness of Breath

When your anxiety of panic attack begins, the first thing you might notice is a shortness of breath. It might feel as if you are hyperventilating as well. The most important thing you can do at this point is to try to breath slowly and carefully. Even taking a deep breath and holding, it for ten seconds and then releasing it may help you regulate your breathing.

Heart Pounding

Another symptom to help you identify your panic or anxiety attack is a pounding heart. Your pulse rate may increase and you may feel your heart thumping more than normally. Deep breathing may help your heart relax, as will sitting down somewhere quiet. If you experience skips in your heartbeat, giving a big, deep cough or two may push it back into its regular beating rhythm.

Dizziness or Feeling Faint

This dizzy or faint feeling often comes from the other two symptoms already listed. If you do feel dizzy, the best thing to do is to sit or lie down right away. Putting your head down will also help increase the blood flow to your brain and reduce the feeling.

Jumpy or "Buzzing" Feeling

Often, a person who is experiencing a panic or anxiety attack may begin to feel jumpy, or as if all their nerves were buzzing. This can be a very unpleasant feeling, and various relaxation techniques such as measured breathing may help alleviate it.

Emotional Response