What Happens During An Anxiety Attack?

Anxiety attacks can be a debilitating experience for anyone who suffers from them, but understanding what happens during an anxiety attack can help you find ways to manage and cope with them. An anxiety attack is a sudden, intense period of fear or apprehension that can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Anxiety attacks can affect people of all ages, and they are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.

The Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Attacks

The physical symptoms of anxiety attacks can be overwhelming and even frightening. Rapid heart rate is one of the most common symptoms and it can be accompanied by sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath. Other physical symptoms can include nausea, chest pain, dizziness, and a feeling of impending doom. These physical symptoms can be so intense that they can cause people to fear they are having a heart attack or other medical emergency.

The Psychological Symptoms of Anxiety Attacks

In addition to the physical symptoms, anxiety attacks can also bring on psychological symptoms such as feelings of fear, panic, and dread. People may also experience a sense of detachment from their body, feelings of unreality, and a fear of losing control or “going crazy.” These psychological symptoms can be just as intense as the physical symptoms and can make it difficult to function normally.

What Causes Anxiety Attacks?

The exact cause of anxiety attacks is not known, but there are a number of factors that can contribute to them. These include stress, genetics, certain medical conditions, and certain medications. Some people may be more prone to anxiety attacks due to a history of trauma or abuse, or a family history of mental health issues.

How to Manage Anxiety Attacks

Although anxiety attacks can be overwhelming, there are ways to manage and cope with them. The first step to managing anxiety attacks is to identify the triggers that may be causing them. This could include certain events or situations, or even certain thoughts or memories. Once the triggers have been identified, it can be helpful to develop coping strategies to help manage the symptoms of an anxiety attack.

Coping Strategies for Anxiety Attacks

There are several different coping strategies that can help to manage the symptoms of an anxiety attack. These include mindful breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and positive self-talk. Mindful breathing involves focusing on the breath and allowing it to be the focus of attention. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and then releasing different muscle groups to help reduce physical tension. Positive self-talk involves using affirmations and positive statements to help reduce anxiety and worry.

When to Seek Professional Help

If anxiety attacks become so severe or frequent that they interfere with daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help to identify the root cause of the anxiety and provide treatment options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. With the right treatment, anxiety attacks can be managed and the symptoms can be reduced.