Comparing an Attack to Something

[debralynnez]

Any ideas on how to explain a panic attack to a person who doesn't understand the feeling of having an attack. Something a person can relate too. One person told me it is like being on a roller coaster and your at the top but no way down. I don't think that comes across as to someone relating to it. I was at a support group 2 mos ago and they had a great explanation - wish I would of wrote it down and don't know the ladies name - I am so mad. Any ideas? I'm looking for something beyond the usual heart racing, sweating and etc.

[fauxartist]

anxiety panic attacks are so varied...for me it feels like I can't catch my breath...and my head spins, and I breath quickly and I get scared and I have to sit down. I start crying cause I'm scared...and I guess it's like if your parachute didn't open up till the very last hundred feet and your anticipating hitting the ground full speed and you are completely helpless.

[Hidden]

tell them to imagine being in a locked cage with a lion that hasn’t eaten in days.

[deborah27]

Feels like your body is preparing to shut down, like your body is out of control and your mind is trying to keep you alive. The release of adrenalin and other hormones increases the loss of control, of your breathing, your speech, your heart rate, your balance, your bowels and all at break neck speed. The body weakens and there is nausea, sometimes vomiting, there is tremor and pins and needles and an overwhelming fear. The only thing I can compare these symptoms to is the time I had to walk home alone many years ago, it was dark and poor street lighting. There were no people about and a long walk off the main road lay ahead. It was before mobile phones. As I walked, I could just make out a group of dark figures in the distance. I could not run back, they did not move and I kept walking. They spread out over the walkway and all of the above symptoms kicked in. The story does not have a good ending, so i will spare you that. I thought I was going to die that night. Panic attacks at their worst are like that, the symptoms are exactly the same.