Can People Die From Panic Attacks?
Summary: Panic attacks can be overwhelming, but they do not have to control your life. Whether you experience visible or silent panic attacks, support is available. Ohio Psychiatric Services in Lancaster & Hillard offers compassionate care, including counseling, esketamine therapy, and TMS. With the right treatment and coping strategies, relief is possible.
Can panic attacks kill you? – A simple answer to this question is no. A panic attack is not fatal but can seriously scar and scare a person.
Understanding panic attacks is as essential as knowing how to deal with them. When someone has a panic attack, their body reacts as though it is in danger because they are overcome with sensations of fear and anxiety. It enters “fight or flight” mode, which causes the heart and breathing to quicken.
Sometimes, panic attacks result in hyperventilation or rapid breathing. However, the symptoms are not limited to breathing; these attacks transcend beyond visible symptoms. This write-up is to educate you in a holistic way about panic attacks, expanding to the options for panic disorder treatment in Ohio (Lancaster and Hillard).
Common Symptoms of Panic Attacks
The symptoms usually peak and gradually subside within 10 minutes, which is so quick that most people stay dazed and confused about what happened to them. These common signs indicate a panic attack in most cases:
Physical Symptoms:
- Sweating or chills
- Trembling or shaking
- Chest pain or tightness
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Hot flashes or cold sweats
Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms:
- Intense fear or a sense of impending doom
- Feeling detached from reality (derealization)
- Feeling disconnected from oneself (depersonalization)
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- A strong urge to escape the situation
Silent Panic Attacks: Dealing With The Invisible
Silent panic attacks are episodes of intense anxiety that occur without obvious physical symptoms. Unlike typical panic attacks, which may involve hyperventilation or visible distress, silent panic attacks manifest internally. Individuals may experience a racing heart, dizziness, nausea, or a sense of detachment (derealization or depersonalization) without external signs.
These attacks can happen anywhere, often in high-pressure situations where one tries to appear composed. Triggers vary but commonly include stress, past trauma, or specific phobias. While they may go unnoticed by others, silent panic attacks can be just as overwhelming. Deep breathing, grounding techniques, and therapy can help manage them.
Experiencing Panic Attacks While Driving
People also experience panic attacks while driving–a phenomenon labeled as road anxiety or learner’s anxiety. This less talked about phenomenon often robs people of their confidence, so much so that they are never able to drive with confidence.
If you or someone you know, face a panic situation while driving, it would be safe to get out of the car after reaching the nearest secure place. Having safe distractions such as listening to relaxing music, radio, or podcasts can help.
Reaching a Concrete Solution
Frequent panic attacks can lead to other mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and in some cases even Agoraphobia–intense fear of having another panic attack.
With persistent efforts, an individual can find a path free of panic attacks. Ohio Psychiatric Services and TMS Center in Ohio offer the support and services you need to eradicate the fear of panic attacks and do activities like driving with confidence.
These mental health professionals provide counseling, esketamine therapy, and TMS services in Lancaster & Hillard, Ohio. They start with deeply determining a patient’s condition and prescribing a treatment that they can adapt to their lifestyle. Book your session today to know more!