What are Panic Attacks?
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack, or even dying.
Silent panic attacks manifest themselves differently, often going unnoticed by others. These hidden episodes of terror are just as debilitating and distressing, but they occur without the outward signs that most people associate with panic.
Silent panic attacks can leave individuals feeling isolated and misunderstood as they battle their inner demons in silence. Unlike their more pronounced counterparts, these episodes can unfold with subtle yet overwhelming symptoms, causing internal chaos that is difficult to express.
Why It is Important to Address Silent Panic Attacks ?
It is important to address silent panic attacks for one’s well-being. Silent panic attacks, also known as agoraphobic panic attacks, can be just as dangerous as regular panic attacks, even after it does not have any outward signs.
Hidden Impact of Silent Panic Attacks:
- Emotional Suffer: Even without the physical symptoms, silent panic attacks can impact a person in very intense ways. It can cause intense fear and anxiety. This can significantly impact a person's emotional and mental well-being also impacting the quality of their life. For example, a person is waiting in line to get on the metro, and suddenly, he starts feeling extreme irrational fear.
- Social Withdrawal: The fear of having a panic attack in public can lead to social withdrawal and avoidance of places or situations perceived as risky. This can result in isolation and loneliness. For Example, a person may be in a Concert enjoying a song with friends but suddenly wants to leave that place.
- It Impacts Daily Living: Silent panic attacks can disturb a person's daily life, making it difficult to go to work, college, or school. This can impact an individual's overall productivity.
Indirect Physical Consequences of Silent Panic Attacks:
- Chronic Stress: The constant underlying anxiety associated with silent panic attacks can contribute to chronic stress. Chronic stress can affect the immune system and can end up weakening it. It increases the risk of various health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and headaches.
- Sleep issues: Anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep. This may lead to sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation can further worsen anxiety which ends up creating a vicious cycle.
- Muscle Tension: Even without the physical symptoms of a traditional panic attack, silent panic attacks can cause muscle tension and headaches.
Importance of Silent Panic Attack Treatment
- Improved Quality of Life: By addressing silent panic attacks, individuals can experience a significant improvement in their emotional and mental well-being. Therapy can equip them with coping mechanisms to manage anxiety and prevent future attacks.
- Reduced Social Isolation: Treatment can help people overcome their fear of public places and situations, allowing them to re-engage in their social lives and activities they may have avoided.
- Enhanced Daily Functioning: With effective treatment, individuals can manage their anxiety and regain control over their daily routines.
Panic attacks have many variations, but symptoms usually peak within minutes. You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides.
Panic attacks include some of these symptoms that everyone should know:
- Danger
- Fear of loss of control
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling hands or shaking a leg or whole body
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling Chills
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Dizziness or faintness
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the whole body
- The feeling of detachment from reality
Difference between Panic attacks and Anxiety Attacks
Panic Attack
Panic attacks tend to occur suddenly with intense fear, not always associated with a specific trigger.
They are often more disruptive, with intense physical symptoms.
Panic attacks can lead to an overwhelming fear of getting another panic attack.
The onset of panic attacks can occur unexpectedly, even during seemingly calm situations.
They are an overwhelming feeling of dread or feeling like you will die or lose control.
Symptoms of Panic attack often include heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling of choking or smothering, dizziness, lightheadedness or feeling faint, numbness or tingling sensations, fear of losing control or going crazy, feeling detached from reality (derealization) or oneself (depersonalization).
The Duration of the panic attack's peak intensity typically subsides within minutes.
Anxiety Attack
Anxiety attacks gradually build to a level of anxiety that can feel like an attack and can last relatively long, with increased heart rate, heart palpitation, rapid breathing, muscle tension, sweating, worry, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms may be uncomfortable.
Anxiety attack is not clinically recognized in the DSM-5.
Specific stressors often trigger anxiety attacks, and some of the symptoms include
Anxiety attack core symptoms include worry, racing thoughts, and fear.
‘Here's an analogy: Imagine anxiety as a simmering pot of water that gradually gets hotter. On the other hand, a Panic attacks is like someone throwing a pot of boiling water on you – sudden and intense.
You can also install our Solh App from the Play Store and consult with our in-house counselor.
How to help someone cope with Panic Attack
Witnessing someone having a panic attack can be scary or confusing, but one should stay calm and offer support that can make a big difference. Here's what individuals can do to help:
- Stay Calm: Try not to crowd them or seem overly alarmed. Let them know that you are there to help them and not be a threat to them. When approaching an individual who is facing panic attacks, speak with them in a calm and reassuring tone and make use of calming statements. Before entering the space where someone is facing symptoms of panic attack, ask for their consent and respect their boundaries.
- Help Them Focus on Breathing: You can suggest a person having a panic attack to take slow and deep breaths. Focus on inhaling through the nostrils and exhaling slowly through the mouth, or they can do a 5x5 breathing exercise. Never suggest a person having a panic attack to "calm down." This can be dangerous and make them feel worse.
- Offer Practical Assistance: Ask if they need anything specific. Maybe they need a glass of water, a cool place to sit, or help finding a quiet space. Try to Minimize distractions. Remove them gently from stimulating environments like loud noises or bright lights if possible.
- Know When to Seek Help: If the panic attack is severe, then call emergency services. If a person has suicidal symptoms or is harming themselves, Call emergency services immediately. There are so many suicidal prevention numbers.
Remember, the most important thing is to be supportive and nonjudgmental and offer help calmly, securely, and safely. You can't take away the panic attack from someone experiencing it, but you can be a helping hand by making the person feel safe and supported.
Solh Wellness is a preventive mental health platform that focuses on adopting practices that help improve the mental well-being of individuals. You can get the following at Solh Wellness:
Normalises Seeking Help: Solh combats the stigma connected with mental health by establishing a judgment-free zone. This can encourage someone who is struggling to seek expert help.
Anonymous Support Groups: Connecting with those who understand your problem can be helpful. Sharing experiences and realizing they are not alone can provide a great source of comfort and encouragement.
Talk Now: When dealing with silent panic attacks, have access to a counselor who can help you guide you through any hiccup you face.
Clinical Support: The app's simple access to confidential consultations can be an excellent initial step for someone struggling to achieve goals who is hesitant to pursue traditional in-person therapy.
Other: Solh is a one-stop place for accessing and navigating different sources, such as audio, guides, and reading material, to help you deal with any ongoing stressor.
Download the Solh App now!
