How to know if you have a anxiety attack?

Do you often find yourself feeling overwhelmed, restless and panicky? Do you have a constant feeling of dread or fear for no apparent reason? If so, then it’s possible that you are experiencing anxiety attacks. But how can you be sure that what you’re experiencing is really an anxiety attack?

In this article, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of anxiety attacks so that you can recognize them when they happen. We will also give some tips on how to manage these episodes. So hold onto your hats and get ready for a wild ride!

What Is an Anxiety Attack?

Anxiety — everyone feels it at one point or another in their lives; however, if it becomes too much to handle or lasts for more than six months going beyond daily life problems such as studies, professional commitments etc., it is often categorized as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It affects about 6% of people globally each year.

When GAD reaches certain levels during stressful events which might seem daunting or present far-fetched outcomes such as socializing with strangers, public speaking etc.–an episode called ‘panic attack’ occurs resulting from flaring up emotions leading someone into extreme discomfort through factors including but not limited to shaking/trembling excessively…wait a minute! Why bother telling all about GAD here anyway – we’re talking PEMs (Panic Emotion Meltdown alert).

PEMs vary from person-to-person ranging between mild uneasiness towards acute terror caused by activation of the fight-or-flight response within seconds without any warning whatsoever.

And then… BOOM!

Your body reacts like Noah starting his Ark: increased heartbeat rate preparing itself against perceived upcoming danger while activating tightened breathing patterns manipulating oxygen supply favoring vital organs causing other visible-audible discomforts such paleness/cold sweats/shivering/Tachycardia/Palpitations/decreased eye vision/ nauseous feelings and more.

Signs of an Anxiety Attack

It’s essential to know the signs which can help you cope with PEMs.
Some possible warning symptoms include:

  • Feeling constantly apprehensive, worried, or tense – we aren’t talking about our favorite football clubs’ statistics here!
  • Experiencing a rapid heart rate – not after chasing your dog around the park for 20 minutes!
  • Chest tightness/sweeting palms/shivering/extreme tingling sensations/muscle tension… all adjectives pointing towards discomfort
  • Breathing Issues such as shallow breathing/shortness of breath/hyperventilation.
  • Sleeping issues including insomnia/tossing-turning throughout night/getting too much sleep but still feeling fatigued/restlessness during sleeping hours…

How Long Do They Last?

Many PEMs last around 10 minutes usually peaks in less time than most wait in line at Starbucks (sometimes there may be no clear initiators), keeping everyone on their toes, many may experience elevated stress levels loom weeks/months later than unsolicited flare-ups similar to fearing waking up tomorrow morning .

However, typically they resolve within about thirty minutes – although it seems like an eternity…

Triggers that Can Cause Anxiety Attacks:

The following situations have been known to trigger anxiety attacks:

  1. Life-changing events: Divorce\losing job–needless to say that life-changes weigh heavily on minds balanced on fingertips wobbling over seemingly extreme decisions necessary for everyday routines.
  2. Traumatic events: Sudden loss/death/Rape/Natural Calamities triggering fear inducing flashbacks leading sufferers being unnerved frequently causing acute emotional outbursts trapped deep down insidious crevices barely visible from surface level consciousness.
  3. Abuse: Domestic/Physical/Mental or Psychological toll put on someone by another person exerting control over their lives.
  4. Substance Abuse: Excessive Consumption of alcohol, drugs (legal or illegal) caffeine can trigger anxiety and contribute to worsening the condition.

Anxiety Attack vs. Panic Disorder

So far, we have been talking about a specific type of anxiety attack that is more like a burst or an episode which can subside within approx 20-30 minutes without triggering any significant physical changes at least technically…

Panic disorder on the other hand signals prolonged states of fear + worry revolving around apprehension anticipating next attacks with elevated ticker-tapes in place for few weeks/months leading towards adverse impact day-to-day activities – no wonder about it!

Both GAD and Panic Disorders are real mental health issues–they even top Social Media hashtags soaring through Tiktok videos: #anxiety #mentalhealthawareness

Coping Mechanisms for When You’re Having an Anxiety Attack

Here are some strategies you can use when experiencing these episodes:

  1. Technically focused breathing – breathe slowly from your diaphragm while inhaling/exhaling..
  2. Apply grounding techniques such as focusing on something tangible around instead/in front of them/listening to non-style amplified ambient sounds conveniently available (such as fan noises/ white noises/rainwater drops)
  3. Use distraction techniques Listen(even hilariously weird tunes work), watch TV shows/movies/cartoons slightly humourous ones… obviously
  4. Acknowledge the fact that sometimes PEMs Subtle differences occur due to unknown reasons despite being prepared daily only goes onto show how infinite our minds stretch.

Anxiety comes in different shapes and sizes, affecting each person differently based on past experiences/lifestyles/personal beliefs/Perspective none less than others… Hence symptoms might vary hugely ranging between mild dehydration-type discomfort taking over once-favored music festivals crowds full bizarre faces pointing all attention towards stressed self unable communicate effectively besides smirking away best moments—to acute fear dampening down situations results from acute feelings of uncertainty. So it is very important to learn how and when to recognize PEMs for what they are, so you can take the necessary steps to overcome them! Hope this article helps –we’re all in this together!

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