Panic attack facts for kids
Panic attacks are sudden, strong feelings of fear or worry. It's like your body's alarm system goes off when there's no real danger. Along with feeling very scared, people often have physical feelings too.
These feelings can be very intense and upsetting for a short time. Many people who have a panic attack for the first time might even think they are having a heart attack because the symptoms can feel so real.
Even though panic attacks feel terrible, they are not dangerous. The worst feelings usually pass in about ten minutes or less. Sometimes, they can be as short as one to five minutes.
Panic attacks can happen to anyone. They can occur in people who have mental health conditions, but they can also happen to people who don't, especially after something very stressful or upsetting has happened.
A panic attack is different from just feeling anxious. When you're anxious, your worry builds up over time. A panic attack hits suddenly and strongly, making you feel out of control right away. Both can be tough, but learning to calm down or getting help can make a big difference.
What a Panic Attack Feels Like
When someone has a panic attack, they suddenly feel very scared or uncomfortable. This feeling gets very strong within minutes. During this time, they will have four or more of these symptoms:
- A pounding heart or a very fast heart rate
- Sweating a lot
- Trembling or shaking
- Feeling like you can't breathe or are being choked
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Feeling sick to your stomach or having other stomach problems
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or like you might faint
- Feeling very hot or having chills
- Numbness or tingling feelings in your body
- Feeling like things around you aren't real, or like you're not connected to your own body
- A fear of losing control or going crazy
- A fear of dying
Why Panic Attacks Happen
Panic attacks happen because your body's natural "fight or flight" system gets a bit overprotective. This system is meant to protect you when you are in real danger. It makes many changes in your body to help you either fight the danger or run away from it.
For example, when this system kicks in:
- You feel scared, which makes you want to get away from danger.
- Your heart beats stronger and faster to send more blood and oxygen to your muscles.
- Chemicals like epinephrine (also called adrenaline) are released. These give your body extra energy to act quickly.
- Your body might slow down digestion in your digestive system. This saves energy for fighting or running.
When you are truly in danger, these body changes can help you survive. They make it easier to fight or escape.
However, during a panic attack, your body reacts as if you are in danger, even when you are not. Your "fight or flight" system kicks in, causing all these changes. But because you don't need to fight or run, these changes cause the symptoms you feel.
For example:
- You feel very scared, even though there's no real danger around.
- You might notice your heart pounding or beating quickly.
- The adrenaline can make you sweat, feel chest pain, and feel even more anxious.
- Because digestion suddenly stops, you might feel sick to your stomach.
Every symptom of a panic attack is caused by this "fight or flight" reaction. This is why panic attacks are not dangerous. This system is designed to save your life. During a panic attack, it's simply turning on when it's not needed.
Related pages
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety disorder
- Pan (mythology)
See also
In Spanish: Ataque de pánico para niños
