@LaynieJWest5661
A panic attack is a sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear. Your heart pounds and you can't breathe. You may even feel like you're dying or going crazy. Left untreated, panic attacks can lead to panic disorder and other problems.
You find yourself helplessly frozen. Your heart is racing. Your chest is pounding. You cant catch your breath. You feel lightheaded. You feel faint. You think you might die right there on the spot.
Those who have had panic attacks are fearful of having another one. So they avoid being in places or situations in which they feel vulnerable or where theres no quick and easy escape. For some, this means they cant be alone. For others, it means they cant be with new people or in crowds of people. In their attempt to create a safe life, they inadvertently create a small life.
Some panic attacks are not so omnipresent, occurring only when zero hour draws near. Students panic before an exam. Hosts panic before their guests arrive. Actors panic before the curtain rises. Working folks panic before their annual evaluations. Patients panic before their medical test.