What causes panic attacks, and how can you prevent them? - Cindy J. Aaronson 

"The worst wars are the ones that only exist in our heads"

"Sometimes panicking hurts more than the thing you are panicking over" ― OdieTheGreat

Panic attacks feel like your soul wants to leave your body but you are fighting so hard to stay conscious. It’s absolutely terrifying.

I had a panic attack today & I felt like I was going to die . I had to call the ambulance . These are no joke! Praying for everyone that has experienced this ! GOD bless you guys ❤️

The worst part for me is the sinking, dizzy feeling that makes me feel like im about to pass out and lose control over my body. It's horrible.

I feel like panic attacks are something you can’t describe or put into words

Alcohol and cigarettes addiction actually destroyed my life. I could remember several years ago after divorce with my wife which brought me into my disastrous journey on Alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 6 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.

Panic attacks are really tough to deal with, and people who experience them should be aware of how much strength it actually takes to get through it. Mental health issues should never be mistaken for weakness, in fact, it is an experience that only undeniably strong people can go through. Whoever is reading this, if you are experiencing panic attacks, try to invest yourself as much as you can into understanding the physiological, scientific side of it. It is incredibly important since by understanding it, you are taking away the power it has over you! I wish you all the best, and keep going! You are incredibly strong!

“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality” ― Seneca

This comment section lowkey makes me feel like home. It’s reassuring to see that there’s other people going through it too and you’re not alone.

From my experience of panic attacks, I can tell you that they are on a spectrum. Usually, my triggers are thinking about anything that could mean the loss of my life, or a rush to the hospital. Chest pains, seeing a new spot on my skin, thinking that my headache is something much worse. Depending on how anxious I get, my panic attacks range from my legs uncontrollably quivering to my vision going dark. I’m still battling my demons, But I really hope that one day all of us who go through this come out the other end.

I think what sucks most about panic attacks is that you can't make the level of 'pain' any lesser even if you've had multiple. You just get better at recognizing that it's happening.

In bed, 30mins in, slowly falling to a calm sleep of rest.. BAM, eyes wide awake, hearts racing, chest is tight, sweating, breathing is hard, I am dying. Stand up, rush to another room... Talk to myself, you did that before you're ok calm down.... Slowly relax.... It's 3am, I'm tired, i wish I was sleeping like everybody else.

Me: **literally just chillin in the sofa** My brain: oh boi it's time to release monstrous amounts of adrenaline

Whenever I'm having one I come here to this video and read the comments and it goes away. Could be because we are all here sympathizing and being kind strangers to each other, or it could be my logical brain is being accessed in order to read your experiences here. Either way you're not alone and your experiences have personally helped me overcome at LEAST four panic attacks. Thank you all so much. ❤

Panic Attacks are some of the worst things a human can experience. I've had only one, but it was so horrifying that I genuinely get shivers when thinking of it. The fear of getting one again has terrified me to the point that I will do everything I can to avoid it.

people always say a panic attack peaks within 10minutes blah blah blah.. my panic attacks can last for hours!

As a person who suffered many years of panic attacks, in the end, the only cure is you. Trust yourself, forgive yourself, be kind to yourself, give yourself the time and space you need. You will get better, trust me.

I’m watching this right after my panic attack. This is the 2nd one I’ve ever gotten in my life and it was just a week ago that I had my 1st one. I don’t know why this is happening, I don’t really suffer from any ptsd issues, I do struggle with social anxiety and depression but I have for awhile now but it never triggered panic attacks, I’m so confused! It was genuinely the most terrifying thing ever. What makes it so scary is when you don’t realize you’re having a panic attack and you genuinely feel like you’re dying and that’s what I thought was happening! My throat felt like it was closing up and no matter what I did and how much I paced around my room the feeling wouldn’t go away! I thought I was just gonna pass out and die right that second. I got so scared I even called my mom and told her I need to go to the hospital if I make it through the night because I genuinely thought my heart was failing. (I’m sorry for typing this much it’s just i’m not used to this and I just really need advice from people who struggle w/ this way more than me and what to do if it happens again) like even mid way typing this it made my body feel tingly and faint.. *edit:* Thank y’all so much for all of your advice and sharing your experiences! These have truly been such a comfort to me and it felt so good to know I’m not alone. I haven’t experienced a major panick attack since last month and it’s felt amazing! I’ve been bettering my mental and physical health to all extents in making sure the attacks don’t become a frequent issue and it’s been doing wonders! To anyone who feels helpless or like they’re going crazy I know this may not be of comfort but you really aren’t alone. It’s a very horrifying experience to deal with on your own so please reach out to anyone for guidance. Make sure that you aren’t consuming a lot of sugar because hat can also spike anxiety really bad which was one of my main issues and drugs/alcohol is definitely not the answer because it can increase your symptoms which was another major issue for me. I know PTSD and chronic anxiety issues can also be a cause and those are harder to deal with so please make sure if it’s affecting your ability to function you see someone immediately. I wish nothing but the best for you all and I’m so sorry for anyone who has to experience this, it’s truly the worst. May god bless you and bring peace in your life 💗

When you have a panic attack, I feel like the best way to calm it is to have someone who hugs you strongly in his arms until it’s gone. You desperately need the reassurance that everything is alright and that there’s nothing to be scared of.

As a kid I was always under the impression that people that had to leave the room due to anxiety and panic attacks were just 'Weak willed' or overreacting, now that I've experienced such symptoms, I would never wish this kind of thing on anybody. It legitimately feels like you're dying when in the throes of an attack.

I have been dealing with this for 30 plus years. It’s a living nightmare. You literally have to get through each and every one . Unless you have gone through it yourself, please don’t tell someone your fine, or get over it. That person cannot control it no matter how hard they try.

I'm here to educate myself after hurling my stomach three times during my first panic attack. I had friends who had experienced it before and came to help me out. To those who have gone through this so many times, I'm proud of your braveness and strength. As my friends told me afterwards, everyone has something that scares them or makes them anxious. It's not abnormal to react this way. It's just your body doing what it needs to. You are not a burden or a freak. You are lovely.

The worst feeling to me is the beat of my heart going so hard and fast. It’s like your suffering a heart attack… and that generates you a constantly obssesion with the beat of your heart at every moment…

I started feeling anxious while watching this for some reason.

Used to have panic attacks that would last all night, 5-10 times a month. With anxiety medicine, distractions, lifestyle changes, and time (this is a big one, it took a year to even accept that having a panic attack wouldn’t actually kill me, even if it felt like it) I’ve been able to only have a full fledge panic attack once or twice a year. It feels like it will never end, that there’s no solution, and that you will always and forever suffer this. That’s just not true. I’m proof, that it does get better 💕 hang in there, learn to distract ur mind from the thoughts that got u into the panic attack, bend ur mind to not think those thoughts. U will fail many times, and even sometimes I fail, but it’s so much better now. I still fight nightly, but the fight is so easy sometimes I forget I’m fighting:)

This video did a really good job at explaining panic attacks. I used to suffer from extremely severe Panic disorder. Where an attack would last for hours and it would go on for days and I would require observation in hospital. But I’ve gotten significantly better and I think it was a form of CBT that I applied myself using ancient eastern philosophies. Like detaching myself from my body, mind, ego, sense of identity, my past and expectations of the future and my idea of good and bad. I don’t know if these techniques will help anyone else but it certainly helped me. I’m very grateful. I know the struggle is very real and very painful. For those suffering please stay strong and know that you are loved. Peace

Does anyone else experience panic attacks that last all day everyday? You get a couple of hours of relief but there's this constant pit of anxiety in your stomach,running through your veins. You feel like you're living in 3rd person or a dream,you have no control of your body anymore and nothing and no one matters?

I describe a Panic attacks as “you’re watching a car about to crash and you see it about to hit but it never does and you caught in a repeat of that moment over and over”

I just recently had my first panic attack and it was so frightening to experience. I was just laying down in bed on my phone and suddenly my heart felt funny, I got up and panicked and felt out of control asking myself what was going on. I paced back and forth and upstairs and downstairs wondering if it was in my mind, then I felt light and dizzy like I had to lay down and I started to shake.. I was crying a bit and got my mom. She held me and I slept in her room for the night. Today is the next morning and I can breathe better but I don’t like the feeling of my heart being heavy. I think it’s part of the recovery after since you breathed in so much oxygen. I hope that anyone going through this cleanses their mind and heals well. We got this….❤

It’s hard when your having a panic attack and people tell u to just relax and look annoyed .If only they knew what it actually feels like ,to all those who have gone through it Ik its not easy and can be a scary thing ❤️

I’ll never forget being rushed to the hospital at 2am, convinced it was a heart attack, only to find out I was perfectly fine. I didn’t realize it was a panic attack until years later

About a year ago, I had a random panic attack (I was 11-12 then) when I was giving food out to at a park along with other school members. I was so scared, I thought I was going to pass out. I had started acting weird (or maybe I just thought that) so it probably made it worse. I had just watched this video days before I got the panic attack, so in the middle of my panic attack, I knew what was going on. Because of that, I just waited it out and that was not fun. (Even though I probably should have told someone about this to be sure I was OK, I was a bit shy to tell anyone.) I am really thankful for this video so the panic attack didn't become worse. God bless everyone who had a panic attack experience, they are not fun at all.

A message to those that come here due to panic attacks or anxiety. I used to have panic attacks every day. I couldn’t leave the house. They ended for me when i learned a teaching from from Mingyur Rinpoche the Buddhist Monk. The secret is to not run. Dont try to make it go away. Trying to escape or avoid panic is the very thing that keeps it alive. Meditation and relaxation videos like these are great BUT, if you are using it in order to escape panic or anxiety then it will simply keep it alive in the long term. The way out is to truly accept how you feel in the moment, allow your thoughts, allow the sensations and recognise that it is uncomfortable but not dangerous. At first your mind will tell you you can’t, but it is a lie, then you will try to accept only to attempt to make them go away, which also does not work as it isnt really acceptance. Then finally all you have left is to truly accept it. And If you can learn to truly accept then you will be free. The first stage is you will no longer be afraid of it. Then the symptoms will fade until they disappear completely. It works, and it works for everyone I promise! Sincerely hope you conquer them too.

The brain handing a paper bag to the heart to help overcoming hyperventilation is pure gold

It literally feels like I’m dying, i get so scared and fearful that I feel like I’m going to die. I really wish this would stop. It happens over some of the smallest things sometimes.

I have panic attacks and agoraphobia and will do anything to avoid my next attack

Just listening to this gave me worse panic attack thanks alot! I will pray that helps more then anything!

I get panic attacks a lot and it's good seeing ted ed explain it soo good

I feel like a lot of people overuse the phrase "panic attack." As someone who goes through panic attacks quite often, it's sometimes hurtful to see people over exaggerating their emotions by comparing them to the scary experience that a panic attack gives you, and then laugh about it. idk, i just hope people can understand what it's like so that they dont affect others who go through the struggle.

I had my first panic attack on 2nd may 2020. I wish this video had been made back then. still this video is so relatable. I personally feel that only by learning about ones own thought patterns, letting go of the existing mindset and building new narratives to the situations that alarmed us can be really really helpful. Seeking help from mental therapists , healthy lifestyle, loving relations and most important , remaining contented with what one is can be really really helpful.

My mom has just had a panic attack, this really helped me a lot. Thank you.

To all those watching this video for their mental health, in case no one tells you today, just know you’re not alone (a lot of us are here for the same reasons) and you’re doing an amazing job getting on top of your mental health. And you should be proud of yourself for doing so. I hope you have an amazing day, and know we’re all here with you :)

I had a panic attack while watching this, because it's so bloody true that it made me anxious

Thank you all, I’ve suffered from panic attacks for years and it has gotten worse. I am currently having a panic attack right now and trying to get a grip on my mind but it keeps racing to all the bad experiences in my life and the negativity of everything else. I feel like I’m losing my mind and it’s scaring me because no one else around me relates but reading the comments reassured me and brought me back to reality. I start crying and praying because I don’t know how to handle it even to this day but realized that once it’s over, everything is okay and that it’s just all in my head. If you’re having a panic attack right now, first things first, breathe and focus on one thing at a time and keep moving your hands or toes or put a ice cube in my mouth and let it sit there or put it in your hand and watch it melt. Play tic-tac-toe, hangman, puzzles, crosswords, fidget spinner, etc. It will eventually be over with and you’ll feel that relief. Breathe, you are okay ❤️

I also have had only 2 panic attacks that I so vividly remember all the details of the event. I’m at the point in my life right now where when I think about how good it’s been having not had one, just that thought alone makes me feel like I might jinks myself into having one just because I think it’s just the calm before the storm. Even feeling calm triggers it! So now when I feel them coming on I go straight to RU-vid and search panic attacks and go straight to the comments! Because all the comments are priceless! Just the feeling of knowing that there are others out there that feel the same way is the most valuable form of treatment. Scroll, scroll and scroll on to all the comments! Even open all the sub-comments! Usually I NEVER do that, I never have time to do that!every single one I read always put me at ease and makes me feel safe and at peace because I’m not alone! So Thankyou ALL🙏🏼

Me: *finally goes to sleep* My brain 1 hour later: *EMERGENCY MEETING*

One time I had a panic attack while driving. My one hand went completely numb that I couldn’t even grip the steering wheel, I was so scared. You are not alone, we all got this.

Psychedelic are just an amazing discovery. Is quite fascinating how effective they are for depression and stress disorder. Really saved my life.

Writing this while having my 2nd panic attack. I actually felt stronger and focused after my first one. The best way to deal with it is to live through it I believe

Panic attacks have held me back all my life. I've lost countless opportunities due to this and it feels like a curse that can never be lifted.

I've been in therapy for months now. Panic attack, ptsd, ocd, ADHD, anxiety, depression, you name it. I finally realised something. These aren't my diseases. These are my body's coping mechanisms. The last time was in the verge of my panic attack. I told my racing heart "I realise you are fighting to keep me out of danger, thanks for protecting me alll these years. Iam safe now." IT WORKED. I am no expert. But it this helps someone, even one person, I would be really happy.

I just had a panic attack this morning and rushed to find a video to help me calm down. Panic attacks are not fun at all. You almost feel like you are having a heart attack and it’s a very scary thing. To anyone who needs reassurance, you will overcome this. Stay strong and persevere. Just remind yourself that everything will work out and there is nothing to be afraid of. You got this!

Very thankful for this as someone who experiences panic attacks

The brain looks so adorable

Anyone who's feeling constantly anxious, stressed and like it's the end of the world, i'm here with you, i believe in you and everything will be okay in the end! You are not alone.

I can only speak through my experience on how I deal with it: 1. Talk about it specifically with someone - when does it start? When does it intensify? Talk about every aspect of it. 2. It's a completely normal emotion - denying the feeling makes it worse. The key is to feel it, so you will learn how to get used to it. 3. Stress comes first and leads to panic attacks - be aware what stresses you out, and what calms you down. 4. Box Breathing - your breathing pattern affects everything - notice how you breathe and feel your heart rate. Breathe calmly. 5. You are not alone - as I have said, it's completely natural to have panic attacks, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. 6. Accept it, explore that feeling. You will need to feel it to get used to it. It's your friend that is trying to say "you are stressing yourself" 7. It's a process - you will not get better in a day, or a month, or a year - expect setbacks - look at the long run. The key is to learn. 8. You do it to yourself - it will someday pass, but it's up to you. One negative thought is not necessarily the whole truth.

I have about 2 panic attacks a day. Its getting better and the therapy of getting over it has actually made my life much better than before i got them. This video gave me so much hope 😊❤

I had my first panic attack and it was such a scary experience. I couldn’t control my body my hands were cramped and i felt like i would die any second… i am sympathetic towards anyone who experience such attacks :(

After my first panic attack, I was terrified of having another one, which ironically is probably what made them more frequent. Thank you for mentioning that, since I’ve never seen or heard it in other panic attack resources.

I thought I knew what a panic attack was until I had one in a movie theater recently. It was absolutely terrifying. I’ve suffered from anxiety for as long as I can remember and have had anxiety attacks I thought were panic attacks until I had a real one. Damn it was crazy. I hope not to have that ever again

I suffer from major psychotic depression and anxiety disorders. I had a panic attack once. It felt like i left my body, my head felt so light and i was gasping for air, my limbs were tightening. I was scared as never before. Since then I've had panic attacks several times but they were not as life threatening as that one but still i had all of the symptoms. I call them anxiety attacks they are really difficult to go through but they are so common that I have learned to live with it. I hope everyone who's going through all this gets better and no longer have to experience these tragic moments.

"Everything changed when the panics attacked..."

Getting a panic attack for no reason is such scary experience. Sometimes I would sit down and play on my PC until I feel a sudden rush on my heart out of nowhere and began having intrusive thoughts of death, heart attack, etc. When I first have it, the attack lasted almost two hours and I began having anxiety about my body, eventually leading me to lose weight to avoid possible future panic attacks. Apparently, I still do, but only less frequent than before. Don't worry guys, panic attack is just the mind playing tricks to give you adrenaline without reason (unless there isn't one). As long as you're young and healthy, there's nothing to worry about. Edit: I know losing weight isn’t much of a solution to avoiding panic attacks, but as long as the heart is healthy enough to know that getting a panic attack is just a temporary occurrence and will not damage your heart. Panic attack is just triggered haywire mentality

This is day 2 in improving my life cause I got another panic attack at work (May 16, 2023) and decided to go to the doctor that day. I'm calm, but my heart is still pounding. I knew it was another panic attack episode and I don't want to go on like this anymore, my fear of losing control is still present. After an hour of waiting, the doctor assessed me and told him about my symptoms, that my vision starts to get blurry, heart is pounding, and the feeling of fainting. My blood pressure is normal but my heartbeat is 120+ and I'm only sitting. I told him I have an interview later that day and I can't miss it so he prescribed me a medication called Alprazolam and I took it before the interview and it helped a lot but I don't want to depend on that medication. Doctor also told me to practice breathing exercises and do cardio! Today, I went on a jog in Els hall park tryna get better then I just thought of 'what if it happens again?' 'I'm alone and no one knows me when I need emergency' then my vision started to get blurry and I stopped walking and slowed my pace to sit in the nearest bench. Closing eyes can help a lot because it's giving me fear when my vision is blurry. I decided to go home and learn more about panic attacks that's why I'm typing it here now hahaha. I hope y'all are safe. We can make it!

I had one in class and felt like I was gonna throw up from how bad it is, honestly terrifying.

Can we not just appreciate the artwork and how much effort they put into each of their videos? It's amazing how fast and how articulate each of their videos are. You're doing great TED-Ed!

"The only thing to cure anxiety is to understand it" true words

I’m so glad this comment section exists, I thought I was going crazy, It’s been so hard to focus daily and hard to get the 2 times I’ve had a severe panic attack (I was taken to the hospital) where I thought I was dying to get out of my head, it’s emotionally exhausting and its hard to accept that I’m not normal and healing process may be long :( but I’m starting therapy and Im trying to practice mindfulness so hopefully things will get better (if ur going through the same thing just know that anything is curable and you’ll get through this, take it one step at a time, and be patient and kind with yourself ❤️)

Great video it hit spot on the thought of having a heart attack or thinking your going to stop breathing is the worst feeling ever🤕😔

The fact that this video already has 1500 views in the first 5 minutes, makes me wonder about our overall well-being.

As someone who would have up to 5 panic attacks a day let me tell you how it feels. It’s like you are literally seconds away from death and nothing can make that feel any less real. Meanwhile feeling like you’re going crazy and having to try to hide it from anyone around you, especially if it happens in public. Then when it’s finally over you’re so exhausted you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck.

It’s always burdened me how somebody could say one single word and it would just send me into a descent of terror. All the sudden my heart could drop to my stomach, feel my throat swell up, can’t breathe or speak, and my ears ring. It feels like if the weight of the world came crashing down on you all at once. Like if all your self-doubt, fear, nightmares, insecurity, guilt, paranoia, and anxiety suddenly took the reigns.

This video is 💯 accurate in my battle with Panic attacks. After 3 years of constantly having them & RUSHING TO THE ER. I discover a way that made it go away. I was brushing my teeth rapidly and it gave me a choking trowing Up sensation . And Ins-tally , I realized I was no longer thinking about my HEART is about to EXPLODE & pop out of my chest. I was able to calm down . And little by little . With the more I read and educated my self, I was able to get over it. So now of it creeps up on me I no longer panic but Just Brush my teeth Rapidly. It was my own medicine and miracle. Good Luck to all who have to battle this Nightmare, just know you won’t die & nothing bad is going to happen to you . Good luck & God Bless. P.S THANK YOU , so much for the video .

One of my friends has panic attacks at school and she just starts crying and crying and crying. Me and another friend of mine try to make her feel better, but we are not professionals obviously so she heads to the guidance counselor and she comes back better but you can tell when it is coming on because she isn’t her normal goofy self! It’s so sad to see her struggling, but she will be stronger than I ever will! 😢

For me it felt like I wasn't getting any oxygen no matter how much I breathed. I was completely convinced I was suffocating to death and I was about to die. Once I realized it was strange I hadn't passed out, I realized that I HAD to have been receiving oxygen. Suddenly the feeling went away in minutes. Maybe this line of reasoning could help somebody else out too

I've only ever had 2 panic attacks in my life, but I remember them so vividly that I feel sorry for anyone that has chronic panic attacks. Just the feeling of hyperventilating but you feel like you're suffocating while the room spins and your heart is trying to keep up for no reason is possibly one of the worst feelings in the world. I also hate just feeling anxious randomly, sometimes for the whole day.

Keep strong everyone, I am rooting for us all! We can get through this just remember there’s always a shining sun above the rainy clouds!!

Thanks so much for the required information.

My solution to a panic attack may be unconventional. I have had several in my life and my cure is to accept and acknowledge that I am having a panic attack. I will tell myself "Oh, this is a panic attack, just let it in and get it over with". My panic attacks last a couple seconds this way with no aftermath. I hope this helps someone!

It is great to see that how this animation justifies the narrators words every second ......... Really great Animator

Only had a couple in my life but honestly thought I was on my way out both times, you missed one treatment though, exercise, its helped me more than any medication ever did.

I just had one about 30 minutes ago. I never understood what a panic attack was and referred to being really stressed as a panic attack. Well I truly understand what it is now. I felt my mind lose control and taken over by fear. It was very gradual but hit me full force very soon after. Felt like I was going to die or thought I was a danger to myself? I don’t know where it came from I really don’t.

My wife had her second panic attack on the beach with my family, we called the lifeguards but all they could do was give her some ice packs to cool her down citing the issue was heat exhaustion. It was the scariest moments in both our lives. But it was also her last attack. Being there for someone who is having an attack is crucial, It's the same with a bad LSD trip; they think they are dying, you need to be there to anchor them and tell them they are going to be ok. This experience will pass, you will be alright.

I suffer with Panic Disorder from my teen's. I'm 36 years old now. I started to cry viewing this video. The clarity of the information was the key point for me to be able to view it to the end. Including the comment on how it's difficult to learn about panic attacks. Thank you a lot! 🎗️💛

thank you! i m glad i found this channel

I have lost the ability to feel healthy life. I would never be able to feel the same as before. It’s been 5 years since my first panic attack outraged, and here I am now, I get multiple panics a day.

Who didn't actually experience it never know how terrifying it can get

I’ve told my friends to tell me “it’s going to end” whenever I have a panic attack around them, because while i’m having it, i really feel like it will last forever and it feels like hours that will never pass. It’s scary and I feel like I’m going to die every single time, especially when my hands go numb, no matter how many times I survive it and I know that I won’t die.

I m 18 years old boy. I had my first panic attack 4 months ago. But now I m fine. It is first to know why are you panic and root cause of it. Reaching this video is first step to get rid of your panic attacks. I had read comments saying they had panic attack for long but always believe in your self and God. It's all with in you.

Best episode so far

When you want to learn more about your panic attacks but thinking about panic attacks gives you a panic attack

“If you are depressed you are living in the past if you are anxious you are living in the future, if you are at peace, you are living in the present.” -Lao Tzu

i had my first panic attack 2 months ago. it was later followed by another two episodes, each lasted for 20min- hour. it was the most horrific experiences ever. i felt like there is not a single oxygen atom left in my body, and the act of grasping of air doesn’t do anything. i was aware of the triggering thought, as it made me cry so many times before my first panic attack. it had to do with something i subconsciously wanted to change in my life but felt so scared to do so. i genuinely feared everything. but eventually i sat down with myself and decided to start a new chapter.. and now thank god i’m overall feeling much better. to anyone dealing with fear of change: change is scary, but so is staying the same. i wish anyone reading this a much peaceful life. i value you

I've had panic attacks since the age of 9. Thank you for this.

As someone with anxiety, I can appreciate you guys trying to educate people on panic attacks.

You know what's sad is that after reading so many comments here, I realized that most of us started having anxiety/panic attack when COVID-19 pandemic started. It's sad that we may not suffer with the virus but our mental health will definitely ruin us. But here we are almost 2 years of this pandemic and we're still fighting and trying to get through the day. We are not alone. We are here in this comment section for a reason. To tell each other that we're going through the same thing and we are strong to face these challenges everyday. I hope everyone gets better. Don't give up. Trust yourself! Everything is gonna be okay! This pandemic and our mental health is going to be part of our past one day!

I’ve only ever had an attack once before, last year. I suffered a lot of trauma & anxiety last year but this year my anxiety has been much better. However, I had a completely unprovoked panic attack while driving yesterday & was convinced I would faint. I too thought I was having a heart attack & ended up going to the doctor. This is very informative & will continue looking for answers.

Thank you .I suffer from panic attacks when around many people

I recently had a panic attack, an anxiety attack. And I still feel bad about it. I really wanted to go to the bathroom even though I didn’t want to, my hands were shaking I couldn’t hold a pen, I felt very cold and my heart was about to burst. I thought if I didn’t control me, I might die of a heart attack. An anxiety attack is not a game, it is not an option for mockery, mental illnesses are real. That day that attack controlled my life at a very important time for me, I feel ashamed, frustrated, sad and disappointed in myself that I couldn’t relax soon. That attack controlled a lot of time of my mind and body, because of that attack I lost very important time on an exam and now I’m at risk of being suspended. I really want people reading this to help if they know friends in this situation, don’t mock, please. Let’s be empathetic. And the people who suffer this I want to give them a lot of encouragement and they are not alone, we must be stronger and not feel bad.