Experiencing a panic or anxiety attack can be an incredibly distressing and overwhelming mental state. While everyone's experience may vary, here's a general description of what it might feel like mentally:
Intense Fear: The person may feel an overwhelming sense of fear or impending doom, even when there is no real threat present. This fear can be so intense that it feels uncontrollable.
Racing Thoughts: The mind may race with a barrage of negative and catastrophic thoughts. It can feel like thoughts are coming at an accelerated pace, making it difficult to focus on anything else.
Loss of Control: Many individuals experiencing a panic or anxiety attack may feel like they are losing control of their mind or body. This can add to the sense of fear and vulnerability.
Physical Sensations: The mental state is often accompanied by a variety of physical symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, dizziness, or a feeling of choking. These sensations can exacerbate the feeling of losing control.
Tunnel Vision: Some people may experience a narrowed focus of attention, making it challenging to see beyond the immediate sense of danger or discomfort.
Detachment from Reality: There might be a sense of detachment from reality or feeling like things are unreal, leading to a sense of unreality or depersonalization.
Catastrophic Thinking: The mind may conjure up worst-case scenarios, and the person may believe that something terrible is about to happen, even though there may be no logical reason for it.
Feeling Trapped: Individuals experiencing a panic or anxiety attack may feel trapped or cornered, desperate to escape the situation or environment they are in.
Sense of Impending Doom: A common mental sensation is a persistent feeling that something terrible is about to occur, even though there may be no tangible threat.
Inability to Rationalize: Often, the person knows that their anxiety or panic is disproportionate to the actual situation, but they might find it challenging to control or rationalize their emotions.
It's essential to remember that anxiety and panic attacks are not just fleeting feelings of stress or nervousness. They are often intense and can be quite frightening for the person experiencing them. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, therapists, or support groups can be beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety or panic attacks.