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Is it normal to feel uncomfortable moving and talking during an anxiety or panic attack?

21 Answers
Last Updated: 07/20/2021 at 11:10pm
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Paola Giordani, Psychoanalyst

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I have helped and am helping people cope with loss, divorce, anguish and parenting. Depression is also a major issue that comes up.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
September 21st, 2015 1:21am
Well I am always incredibly anxious. But when my anxiety gets too much then my entire body freezes a I can't talk to people
Anonymous
March 17th, 2020 3:26pm
This is a completely normal occurrence. I've experienced this many times and it's mostly because your body is trying to figure out the best way to protect itself because it does trigger the fight or flight reflex. If your body is treating this as an extreme danger situation it can be difficult to talk or move because of that response to whatever is going on and it has reason to be like that. I know many people who get this way where they can't even stand anymore and have to sit down and just kind of wait until they're relaxed. So it is not unusual.
Anonymous
September 19th, 2016 10:56pm
Yes, it is common for people to get stiff in their hands, feet, and legs during a panic attack. It's also hard to talk within the tears and hyperventilating of a panic attack.
AutumnLeigh
July 12th, 2016 11:23pm
DEFINITELY, yes, it is. Because of probable raised blood pressure, you may feel tingling in your extremities, Also weakness in those areas. You may feel your tongue is dry and swollen or a number of other symptoms! If you possible can, during these episodes, please try to get to a position where you lie on the floor and place your entire legs up upon a couch or chair. This brings blood to the brain and is similar to a 'tilt-table' relief provided in hospitals. Doing this and breathing in through the nose for 6 counts and out through the mouth 6 counts. should provide relief. Also, ALWAYS check in with your doctor to make sure your physical health is fine so you can reassure yourself during attacks that you AREN'T going to die or be permanently injured. As a panic/anxiety attack survivor, I know al these to be key! Try to isolate yourself, if you can, to perform these exercises during an attack and make it through. :)
junem
July 20th, 2021 11:10pm
Yes it is very uncomfortable to carry on moving and talking during a panic attack. The fight or flight mechanism innate in us for survival is triggered making it very difficult to carry on as normal. Adrenalin levels elevate and thoughts race.k Deep slow breathes can de-escalate this response and calm the body. Distraction can also be helpful. trying to tell a supportive person also helps. Sometimes anxiety disorders are treated with antidepressants. Anxiety and panic attacks are not only uncomfortable but can become disruptive to one's life. Asking a professional for help is a step in the right direction.
Heart2Heart47
June 15th, 2021 2:34pm
Yes, during a panic attack, your emotions and not you are in the drivers seat, your aim is then to regain control of yourself, this may not be the best time to engage in conversation so to feel comfortable to do other things, oh are going through a difficult moment, your aim is to feel better soon. It is important to understand that during this time you are allowed to think of how to get back in control. You need not worry about the external factors too much. Get yourself the help you need take as much time as you need to feel like yourself again
Anonymous
January 25th, 2021 5:18pm
Yes that is totally normal. The need to be still can be calming for some. It is not something to be ashamed about. Everyone's anxiety manifests itself differently. It is all about finding what works for you. If sitting still works, sit still. If moving works, move around. Personally, sitting still helps me so I totally understand. In situations where you can;t exactly stay still, I say try to excuse yourself and go somewhere like the bathroom or just somewhere where you can collect yourself and your thoughts. It is all about what works for you. Hope I helped!
reneemiichellee
April 14th, 2020 7:38am
Yes it is because you’re in a state of panic, when that happens it can be a fluster of many different emotions and shock so it’s best not to force yourself to move or talk, but instead to relax and take your attention away from the panic attack itself. They make stress relieving and anxiety apps to help you calm down during these frantic times but always seek medical help if you feel too much on edge or that you can’t bare it. Your safety comes first and you wouldn’t want to wait too long in case it does start affecting your health negatively.
Anonymous
July 3rd, 2018 3:55pm
It can be. Most anxiety or panic attacks are different for everyone. Some people may just sweat alot, others may have chest pain and shallow breath. So, that could very well be normal. :)
Anonymous
April 10th, 2018 4:25am
It is normal to feel uncomfortable moving and talking during an anxiety or panic attack because you're afraid what will happen next and when you remain in one spot you feel more safer then.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2016 5:59am
Absolutely, oftentimes panic attacks can make you feel like you cannot move at all and your thoughts may become louder than usual, making talking difficult. Most activities would feel uncomfortable during a state of heightened anxiety or panic.
Anonymous
September 6th, 2016 8:23am
yes this is absolutely normal to behave this way. However do try some anxiety relieving exercises to overcome the situation.
uniqueHeart93
February 23rd, 2015 11:47am
In my experience yes i get really uncomfortable moving and talking and usually just want to be left completely alone during one.
SunshineCeline
June 7th, 2016 7:21pm
I feel that it is. Often, I feel trapped inside of myself when I'm experiencing anxiety. I do not want to talk to anyone, except for my boyfriend, and, even though it isn't good for me, I want to be alone with myself and my thoughts.
youdontknowme
December 29th, 2015 2:09am
Completely! One who's undergoing such a hard experience shouldn't be expected to walk or talk. However, if a person prefers walking and talking during their attack then that's completely up to them.
trisjlistens
August 3rd, 2015 10:02am
It is, because you are feeling anxious and you don't know what to do so your initial impulse would be to feel uncomfortable with yourself.
DreamsandHope
July 21st, 2015 12:59pm
Yes. But it also depends upon the situation and person. Some times it provide comfort but other time it feels like pain.
AlexandriaJ
June 29th, 2015 5:58am
Extremely! Panic/anxiety attacks are a total body experience. Depending on how you experience them, you might be unable to move (or, like you said, feel uncomfortable). Other people may be able to continue walking without feeling uncomfortable, but still be experiencing an anxiety/panic attack.
iWalkBesideDylan
June 10th, 2015 4:43pm
Yes, it's absolutely normal. During an anxiety attack your nerves take over your body with so much tension, hence regular supple movement may become rather uncomfortable.
RideMikeRide
May 24th, 2015 11:23pm
If you're experiencing either anxiety or a panic attack, it's normal to feel as if you cannot either move or talk! Breath and realize these feelings will pass!
Anonymous
May 24th, 2015 2:52am
I say yes. But there are techniques to quell the storm of these feelings. believing you can works. ask more questions of the other to shift the focus off of yourself. It will calm you down.