Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that can feel overwhelming and come on without warning.
They can include both physical and emotional symptoms, such as:
- Racing or pounding heart
- Shortness of breath or feeling like you can’t breathe
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating or chills
- Chest pain or tightness
- Trembling or shaking
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- A sense of losing control or "going crazy"
- Feeling detached from reality or oneself (derealisation or depersonalisation)
- An intense fear of dying or something terrible happening
While panic attacks are not dangerous, the fear of having another one can cause:
- Avoidance of certain places, situations, or activities
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Difficulty going to work, school, or public spaces
- Constant worry about physical health or “something being wrong”
- Reduced quality of life and overall well-being
Psychological therapy can help you understand what triggers panic, reduce their frequency and intensity, and develop tools to regain a sense of calm and confidence.
