How to tell when you are having a panic attack

Nowadays, not a day goes by when we don’t hear someone say: “I just had a mini panic attack”. And unfortunately, as it becomes a more commonly used phrase, it starts to become difficult to understand when you are actually experiencing one.

Panic attacks are frightening experiences often happening for no reason, so it is important you are aware when you are suffering from one:

• You can experience an overwhelming sense of fear
• You feel detached from the rest of the world
• Your heart beats irregularly
• You feel pain in your chest
• You experience shortness of breath
• Pins and needles
• Shivers or hot flushes
• You can break out into a sweat
• You can feel sick

The above symptoms are a sign that your body is reacting to something by going into fight or flight mode, even if there is no reason for it. And as your body tries to get enough oxygen it releases adrenaline and causes your heart to beat faster.

If you do experience a panic attack, the following tips should help you feel calmer:

• Breathe slowly, in through your nose and out through your mouth.