What does it feel like to have anxiety attack?

If you’ve ever been told “just calm down” during a panic attack or anxiety episode, then I’m sure you know the struggle of trying to explain what it actually feels like. And if you’re one of the lucky ones who has never experienced an anxiety attack, well buckle up because we’re about to take a deep dive into what that particular flavor of hell really is.

The Build Up

Anxiety attacks can hit at any time, but for some people there are often warning signs leading up to them. These could include things like racing thoughts, chest tightness, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies such as checking locks or washing hands more frequently than usual. For me personally, my body will almost always give me some kind of physical manifestation before an actual attack hits (like when your mom says “I’m not mad…I’m just disappointed). Usually it’s sweaty palms, elevated heartbeat & feeling like there’s a ton of bricks in my stomach.

Everything’s On The Line

One thing that sets anxiety attacks apart from everyday stress and worry is their intensity – they have this ‘moment-of-truth’ quality where everything feels super high stakes… something big is happening! There’s no middle ground between being totally fine and being completely out-of-control with fear.

Getting Caught by An Attack

And now imagine finding yourself roped right into one: /who ,/what ,/when exactly!/?

Time Stands Still

Most likely scenario? You’re going about your day-to-day business; maybe doing homework on your computer while drinking coffee — passively scrolling twitter…then all of sudden boom -you’re caught in its grip so tightly that time itself might as well come to stand still.. Meanwhile every follicle stands erect waiting for whatever horrible fate lurks ahead.

Fight or Flight

Whenever I experience a panic attack, my body goes into full on ‘fight or flight‘ mode. My stomach turns over with nausea, every muscle tenses up like im preparing for the Olympics in London and my mind gets flooded with thoughts of anything and everything that could possibly go wrong, mixed with the sudden realization you’re all alone.

Tunnel Vision

It’s an intense physical sensation, but also incredibly isolating – it’s feels like being stuck somewhere between 1st & 2nd base. It’s not easy to ask for help when everyone else is still playing Tee-ball…So while your brain screams at your limbs to run away / “I can’t let anyone see me like this!”/, it has a way of convincing you nobody actually really care or its better just deal with everything yourself. All senses focus directly inwards — as if staring down a narrow tunnel towards Final Destination Waiting For You At The End.

The Uncontrollable Response

The worst part about anxiety attacks is how out-of-control they can feel despite our best efforts to reason them through.

Physical Symptoms

Even trying something simple –like telling ourselves we’re safe–doesn’t do much good (-/oh hadn’t thought of that before!/). Our brains have taken completely un-discussed (underhanded?) initiative, flooding us completely and totally with stress hormones until physiological symptoms become impossible to ignore: sweat beads rolling down the scalp, heart beating quick enough for time keeping, restless fidgeting… each symptom enough covering one by ten pages text book sized reference.

Trying To Escape Your Own Head

No matter how hard you try or what techniques you attempt from therapy sessions- whether deep breathing exercises-based on counting slowly backward from ‘100’ beneath breath ,or repetition of calming phrases such as “ I’m ok”— nothing seems able strong enough lift overbearing weight crushing atop you.

Feels Like It Will Never End

Even though anxiety attacks might only last for a couple minutes. The feeling can be so intense and overwhelming that it feels like an eternity of anguish (or someone’s constant monologue in front of you). Just like how the prospect of watching another Adam Sandler movie will make any film buff willing to sell their own soul just observing, even though it’s nothing but pure torture & regrets afterwards……funny thing- sometimes we never learn.

Conclusion

Anxiety attacks are horrible horrific experiences no one could ever fake.. But despite all this, there is good news – recovery from these is possible when they do smack us out-of-left field! They teach us how resilient human bodies and minds truly are! So if you’re going through something similar right now,:hang in there ,and remember…you’re not alone / EVER, and speaking up about what hurts really helps making better days a little bit closer than guessing blindly.

Dane Raynor

Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!