Experiencing a panic attack or watching a friend go through one can be scary. Here, experts lay out the symptoms and coping mechanisms for dealing with them. What are the signs of a panic attack? “Panic attacks are intense body responses towards things in our environment which are triggered by feelings of fear, worry, stress or danger,” explains Stevie Goulding, senior manager of parents and carers services at YoungMinds .
Sufferers often speak out about experiencing an overwhelming sense of apprehension and anxiety but their bodies will also display a number of physical symptoms. “General symptoms are dizziness, racing heart, trembling, hyperventilation, nausea, tingling sensations, chest pain, choking sensation and a fear of dying or impeding doom,” says Dr Henk Swanepoel, head of psychology at Cygnet Health Care. “ Anxiety can also affect a person’s excretory and digestive systems which might manifest in stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.
” According to the NHS , most panic attacks last between five to 20 minutes, but some last up to an hour. “The number of attacks you have will depend on how severe your condition is,” explains Swanepoel. “Some people have attacks once or twice a month, while others have them several times a week.
” What causes panic attacks? Uncomfortable situations or past experiences might trigger a panic attack. “Many situations can cause a person to feel anxious, a common cause is historical or childhood expe.
