How to Identify an Anxiety Attack

Do you feel like you are dreaming? It might be anxiety.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 2.4 million Americans suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety attacks can make you feel as if you are going to pass out, or even die. How can you tell if the symptoms you are suffering from are something emergency room-worthy, or are a less serious--though not necessarily less scary--anxiety attack? Here are some steps to help you identify what might be an anxiety, or panic, attack.

Instructions

1. Think about your breathing. Feeling short of breath or as though you are choking are common symptoms of an anxiety attack. These feelings can be brought on by unconsciously holding your breath when you are under stress.

2. Feel your chest. Feeling as though your chest is tightening or a shooting pain in your chest are common symptoms of an anxiety attack.

3. Check your pulse. A rapid pulse and heart palpitations can be symptoms of a panic attack. This is due to the innate "flight or fight" response we all are born with. Your instinct is to get away from the perceived danger, which might be simple stress.

4. Think about your state of mind. Do you feel detached, or as if you are dreaming? Does everything seem surreal? This symptom in conjunction with the others point to an anxiety attack.

5. Consider whether you feel dizzy, as if you might faint, or even as though you may die. Feelings of dizziness, nausea, and doom are common symptoms of anxiety attacks.

Tips & Warnings

• Mindfully relaxing and taking deep breaths can help anxiety attacks pass more quickly.

• If you experience severe chest or jaw pain, tightness or are simply uncertain whether you are having an anxiety attack or possibly something more severe, seek medical assistance immediately.