How Do You Identify A Starting Panic Attack?

[Deleted member 27340]

How do you tell you're about to get a panic attack?

I'm often anxious constantly, and then the difference between normal anxiousness and a starting attack is sorta floating. My first omen would be shaking, I think.

I was just wondering if any of you have one thing that always comes first in an attack that allows you to identify it even though you're already on constant anxiousness?

 

[Jane.l]

An overwhelming feeling of 'doom' and yes then going really cold and shaking.

 

[Friday]

Metallic taste in the back of my throat.

If I miss that: Narrowed vision, acute hearing, loss of internal monologue, shallow breathing, loss of sensation or pain spikes, jaw clamps shut, heart rate increase (120bpm - 145bpm normal 55bpm), muscle twitching to shaking to spasms, emotional lightning storm or pure calm.

That's my transition order. I can often catch it and subvert it at some point right up until the end. Other times I can just ignore it (walk about and do things, super surreal). If not either of those 2, I just have to ride it out.

 

[Upside Down Eagle]

irregular breathing, leading up to hyperventilation. Tense shoulders, pulled up towards the head.
These are also two things you can work on to prevent the buildup.

Edit: considering your constant anxiety, you'd do good considering methods for relaxation throughout the day. I do that too, and I find it works (such as yoga, sports, breathing exercises).

 

[KwanYingirl]

I hyperventilate and clench my muscles. When I feel nauseous I know my anxiety is accelerating. I used to just grab a Xanax, but I'm working on my breathing to keep calm.

 

[Deleted member 19804]

For me it's a strong increase in my overall anxiety, as well as:
- strong feelings of impending doom,
- losing the ability to distinguish between realistic and unrealistic fears,
- viewing everyone and everything as either a threat or being in danger
- feelings of helplessness and panic
- very high heart rate

All those things cause each other to exacerbate so I keep spiralling down until I am nothing but a trembling mess.

 

[Neverthesame]

For me, I know I am at the tipping point when I get the sudden feeling of not being able to get enough air. I can breathe just fine, so my lungs are working. It just feels as though I am breathing the same breath over and over, getting a little less air each time. It's really quite terrifying when it happens. Then having to consciously slow my breathing down, feels so counterintuitive. If I just listen to my brain I will hyperventilate.