By Eshana Saha
Published Jan 09, 2025

Hindustan Times
Lifestyle

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Living with panic attacks: What it really feels like

Panic attacks are brief episodes of anxiety that can cause physical sensations of fear.

 Some of the common symptoms of panic attacks are shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, dizziness, trembling and muscle tension. 

When someone lives with panic attacks, it can be extremely difficult for them to navigate through daily life activities.

It is always a waiting game for a person living with panic attacks. They are constantly waiting for the next panic attack to hit. 

They may fear that they can have a panic attack anywhere – hence, they choose to stay home as it is the safest option.

Isolating oneself and trying to stay away from socialising is very normal for people with panic attacks as they fear that they may get anxious.

Worst-case scenarios and downward spirals are also common in people with panic attacks. They fear that they will be laughed at and judged. 

Every symptom of a panic attack that they feel can make them fear having a full-blown panic attack and feeling anxious for hours.