People with panic disorder can experience panic attacks on a recurring basis. Panic attacks can strike out of the blue, without any warning. Often, there is no clear reason for the attack.
A panic attack occurs when your body experiences a rush of intense psychological (mental) and physical symptoms. You may experience an overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety. As well as these feelings, you may also have physical symptoms such as:
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or faint
- Sweating
- Hyperventilation
- A sensation that your heart is beating irregularly
If you can relate to this, it could mean you have a panic disorder and should seek help from a GP or therapist. It is nothing to be ashamed of – 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health issue in our lifetime.
To read our more on mental health go to our Ultimate Guide.
