Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Is it normal for a panic attack to be on and off for hours?

10 Answers
Last Updated: 08/13/2018 at 6:44am
Perfect therapy for people who need help. I would like to say, I never can imagine it could be possible to heal people like that
Ta Tania
5 star rating
Moderated by

Stacey Kiger, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

My belief is that therapy is not about giving advice, but joining you on your journey

Top Rated Answers
25Ashley
March 8th, 2016 3:25am
Yes. unfortunately anxiety attacks and panic attacks can last a little while each. The build up takes less time but the side effects from an attack can last different durations for different people, think of an attack like an earthquake, there is the original shock or first wave but then there can also be aftershocks depending on the severity, and they can come in waves over the course of a few hours. It is very common to have residual anxieties and intense moments of panic after an episode.
Stephanie01101
March 12th, 2015 2:13am
I've had experiences where I am having a panic attack and manage to calm myself down, and then something triggers it and it starts up again. I've found that my panic tends to come in waves, so they tend to be on and off for me in general.
Hotchocolate7
January 15th, 2015 10:38am
As long as you don't take certain actions to calm yourself down before the first attack, the panic attack can occur on and off until you desensitize yourself from that certain trigger. Try using an ice pack to calm down every time you start hyperventilating
SpiritWolfNYC
May 30th, 2015 9:26pm
Yes. It seems you are experiencing severe anxiety. When i was first diagnosed with the disorder i was having them almost all day and this lasted for a little more than a month. One year later im nearly recovered fully but a lot of therapy and exercises were required and so was medication unfortunately
Precisethoughts
November 2nd, 2015 6:36am
I have experienced this phenomenon but not very often. I wouldn't say it is a normal occurrence. Are you experiencing abnormal stress and/or a traumatic event?
blitheMango33
May 29th, 2018 3:53pm
100%! I have had panic attacks for over 10 years, and sometimes they will last 24 hours a day and sometimes they will switch on and off. If you have anxiety, your panic attacks can turn on and off like a lightswitch.
Anonymous
August 13th, 2018 6:44am
i wouldnt say normal, but its not unusual for that to happen, especially if your still around whatever triggered the panic attack or if your still thinking about what caused it, and sometimes even thinking about having the panic attack can cause another one to happen
EverlastingLove96
April 5th, 2015 1:26am
Yes, It is normal. They can get randomly triggered and then subside for no reason. Panic attacks are different for everyone.
Anonymous
August 10th, 2015 4:24pm
Yes, panic attacks can range from lasting a few minutes to a very long time. It just depends how long it takes you to relax. If you are struggling with anxiety some good ways to overcome it are to talk openly to someone about it, such as family, a friend or a doctor or psychiatrist. Getting regular exercise and having hobbies such as art, yoga, or anything that requires a lot of thought and attention.
Skylarsanders
July 26th, 2016 10:30pm
Of course it is. Certain things can trigger your attacks without notice. Sometimes it just happens😁