Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Why do I feel like I'm there but I'm not there when I get a Panic Attack? Is that normal?

9 Answers
Last Updated: 09/05/2016 at 9:16am
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

Graham Barrone, ICHP, MCBT

Counselor

Believing in and supporting you wholeheartedly, we cultivate gentle awareness for responsibility in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we foster growth, improve your

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2015 2:08am
Depersonalization and derealisation are more common than you might think during Panic Attack. Depersonalization refers to a feeling that you or your surroundings aren't real, or diffused. Derealization refers to feeling as though you're 'outside your body'. There are a number of other symptoms associated with depersonalization and derealization.
ItsYourLife
September 5th, 2016 9:16am
Yes! It is very normal. I actually go through this same thing. It's called disassociation. What happens, is your body goes into flight or fight mode, and adrenaline surges through your body. It's a survival instinct that we have, and it's completely normal. Don't let it scare you
starryRiver83
February 16th, 2015 10:11pm
Yes, it is a symptom of panic attack, you start to feel a dizzy sensation, like you are about to pass out, or are becoming withdrawn from your surroundings. This can be quite common in panic attacks. What you need to do, is think about certain methods to prevent the panic attacks, for example using the guide on this website. Or speaking to someone for some support.
Anonymous
April 29th, 2015 8:56pm
That's called dissociation, and dissociative episodes are (while not 'normal', per say) fairly common things for people to deal with.
KatieTheKrusher
May 16th, 2015 3:29am
As a person who has had many panic attacks I can assure this is a normal feeling! Just take some deep breaths and try to focus on one thing at a time to relax.
Indigoddess
June 17th, 2015 8:41am
During a time of panic your fight or flight instinct kicks in and you are running on pure adrenaline. It's absolutely normal and has been this way for thousands of years.
greenJOHN1971
November 25th, 2015 11:11pm
When you are having a panic attack, it feels like you are going to die. At least it did for me. My heart was racing, I was breathing in and out very fast. It's most likely that your breathing is to rapid which doesn't allow your lungs to absorb oxygen well. So, you start to feel light headed. The worst that can happen is you would pass out. That is a normal feeling during a panic attack. Practice breathing techniques and ways to calm yourself. I had to breath into a paper bag when it was really bad. That helps.
dreamwithmelovers31
January 25th, 2016 1:51am
i get this a lot. and i have been told (by psychologist) that its dissociation. especially when its really bad.
kimmy500
February 22nd, 2016 3:38am
Yes that is called depersonalization comes with anxiety. This is one of the symptoms of an anxiety disorder.
Talk to an expert therapist
She’s a very good listener and helped me alot working through my anxiety
Reviewed Sep 30, 2024
Talk to Smita Now

Read more about Panic Attacks in our Panic Attacks Forums