What does a panic attack feel like?

Written on 22nd Oct 2013 by Sylvia Lowery

• Share

Individuals with autism may become fixed on one fear which may lead to a panic attack. Here are some quotes from people who have experienced a panic attack. 

“It felt dizzifying.”

“I felt like my breathing was heavy.”

“My vision was weird.”

“I get panic attacks a lot of them are fear from abuse I’ve even through and going past anniversaries which also a trigger is a constant reminder also other. My heart races so fast my chest gets so tight and recently started to get sharp chest pains that last for few days.”

“It’s like I’m gasping for air.”

“last one I had, I had a chest infection and was asleep when it happened. I woke up gasping for breath and really really panicking – no dreams or anything. I was certain it was physical – that’s when I found that article. Basically, my body was stressed due to the infection and my blood sugar was low (not eating properly, due to being unwell and being asleep, so during the night when blood sugar dips anyway); body decided to respond by pouring adrenalin into the blood stream – result = panic attack!”

“It felt like I could jump off a mountain and it wouldn’t hurt.”

“Hitting my head made me feel better.”

“I feel more hyper.”

“I feel stressed and misunderstood.”

“I felt like I wasn’t really there.”

“I was frightened.”

“Noise was like a mighty wind.”

“I thought I would die.”

A phobia that leads to panic attacks and meltdowns can mean the person  is afraid to leave the house.

Here are some suggestions to help.

 

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all materials on this page are © Alex Lowery Speaks About Autism. Please do not reproduce, modify or use for any purpose without the prior, written consent of the author. If you are interested in using an article on your blog or in your magazine, please contact us.