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Are panic attacks normal? I feel like I'm going crazy.

143 Answers
Last Updated: 09/10/2018 at 9:06pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Sarah Robb, LISW-S (Licensed Independent Social Worker, Supervisor Designation) and LICDC (Licenced Chemical Dependency Counselor)

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. Life poses many challenges. Learning to face, cope with, and resolve these challenges can increase our resilience.

Top Rated Answers
IndigoWaterz
October 24th, 2015 3:24am
I wouldn't call a panic attack normal though you're not crazy for having it. It can be very intense and frightening because you seem to be losing control over yourself, but you will be fine once you learn to control it and what may trigger you. You can talk to me about it, of course!
BeFaithfulBabe99
October 24th, 2015 8:34pm
Yes they are completely normal. You could have a disorder and what is causing you to have a panic attack. You're not going crazy, it's just the panic attack thats making you feel this way
Anonymous
October 25th, 2015 6:25am
Panic attacks are completely normal when your mind is running in a million directions and you're not sure which way to turn. It is important to understand what is going on when it happens and how you can avoid the potential trigger in the long term. Talking about what is going on is a huge part of managing panic attacks.
Anonymous
October 25th, 2015 10:49am
you would be surprised to hear they are very common. panic attacks are very scary whatever way you look at it. they are even becoming more common. when having a panic attack, try and focus on things around you, a tight hug isnt the best idea, try having someone hold you hand or put there arm around you, so you dont feel like your suffocating. if things get to hard with your panic attacks, it could be best to see your local GP or mental health professional
Resiliencex
October 28th, 2015 12:55am
Panic is the human body's natural way of responding to danger. When we are faced with a potentially life-threatening situation, our body reacts in the way that we do when we panic. Panic attacks are a misperception of danger. They can make you feel very afraid and uncomfortable, like you're going crazy or dying. They are very normal and most people have experienced one at least once in their life. They can be very uncomfortable, but a panic attack will not kill you. There are many coping mechanisms that help make you more comfortable during panic attacks. Suffering from panic attacks myself, what has helped me is mindfulness. Guided meditation or yoga is a very helpful way to divert your attention during a panic attack and focus on your breath. Doing other activities like taking a walk, drinking tea, listening to music, etc.. are also helpful for people. Self-care is very important during a panic/anxiety attack. Do what feels right for your body. If you feel like a bath or taking a walk would help, don't hesitate to do it. Though it feels like panic attacks go on forever, they don't. It will pass and you will feel better. Take care of yourself, friend.
MellowMay1006
October 28th, 2015 5:40am
Panic attacks are very much so normal. Everyone has stressors or events that can trigger them. If you're experiencing anxiety issues or panic attacks, please seek professional help.
Anonymous
October 28th, 2015 2:23pm
Yes, panic attacks are normal in people of age ranging from 13-50. They are usually occuring in episodes of anxiety.
Themuzz
October 28th, 2015 2:23pm
Panic attacks happen to everyone whether you realize it or not. Just rember when it happens to sit down and breath.
Anonymous
October 29th, 2015 5:52am
Everyone experiences anxiety in different ways. You are not crazy. Practice different breathing techniques and find your happy place.
tranquilDreamer74
October 29th, 2015 11:28am
Panic attacks are very normal its usually caused by our hormones that soon become out of control through out stress so our mind puts us into a panic mode because it doesn't understand why the body feels emotions. Its completely unharmable. Just lay in a quiet place, close your eyes and rest. It will go away in less than 5minutes
Anonymous
October 29th, 2015 1:26pm
Panic attacks are not something to recognize as anything except for what it is. A person who is experiencing panic attacks should receive help.
Emilyblue22
October 29th, 2015 9:02pm
yes. They are normal. But If you are worried, let somebody know, or talk to a proffesional. You may be suffering from Panic Attack Syndrome if you are constantly having panic attacks. Having few panic attacks every once in a while is very normal. You can relax yourself by -taking deep breaths -thinking of something you love -getting some fresh air -talking to someone you trust If you fear you may be suffering from Panic Attack Syndrome, please talk to a proffesional. Best of luck :) ~Emily
FayeListens91
October 30th, 2015 8:54am
Panic attacks are extremely common. Moreso than I think a lot of people imagine. Some people think they only coincide with a chronic mental health issue, but even someone who would consider themselves extremely emotionally stable can have them randomly, especially if they are triggered by a traumatic experience, or any kind of stressor in general. While having a panic attack is certainly far from abnormal, frequent panic attacks, or panic related to social situations can sometimes be an indicator of a bigger problem, such as a Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, or other corresponding mental health diagnosis that should definitely be looked into by your doctor. No one should have to deal with panic attacks. They can be absolutely terrifying. Don't be afraid to seek help for them.
SilentSerenityy
October 30th, 2015 1:41pm
They are very normal and very common. I can assure you that you're not going crazy. I would recommend seeing a doctor to talk about treatment.
ScorpioDolly
October 30th, 2015 11:14pm
Yes. And it doesn't make you crazy, it's just your body reacting to a situation which isn't as dangerous as it may seem. Adrenaline causes it.
jammiedodger153
October 31st, 2015 8:37pm
Panic attacks are fairly normal. They happen to quite a few people actually. You aren't going crazy, trust me. You can learn to control them by figuring out what triggers them, then deep breathing or other calming exercises. I used to suffer them, and still occasionally do. If you need any more help, feel free to message me. I know what you're going through,
OhSoLovely
November 1st, 2015 5:31pm
Panic attacks are totally normal, I felt like this when I had my first one too. They're really common and you'd be surprised how many people are going through the same thing! The only way I can think of is looking into ways to calm yourself down and stuff like controlled breathing etc… Just trying different tactics to see what works for you, and if that includes like medical advice or talking to a school counsellor or something then go for it, it can really help. It's nothing to be ashamed of xx
Sarahbellum
November 4th, 2015 4:17am
Panic attacks are actually quite common -- But I can understand feeling concerned about them as they are exhausting and difficult experiences to struggle with. Find ways to calm yourself that work for you is a great first step -- I recommend breathing exercises, listening to calming noises/songs/ASMR videos, taking a warm shower or bath, and other ways to distract your mind and body in a relaxing way.
AwesomeAlf
November 4th, 2015 12:19pm
Panic attacks are normal. My friend gets them all the time, just try to relax, remembering they will pass.
AlexisNicoleMN
November 4th, 2015 6:22pm
Panic attacks are 100% normal. Everyone has them at least once in their life! Some people have them more often then others, but yes. Its 100% normal!!!
Anonymous
November 5th, 2015 4:12am
Panic attacks can be a normal thing if they are not jeopardizing your health and the way you act. If having a panic attack actually effects your day to day life and health then it is not normal, please seek help.
RC93
November 5th, 2015 6:53am
I would say so. People experience anxiety throughout their lives for various reasons. Anxiety is unavoidable. Everyone will experience it on different levels at some point. I would say it is normal. But if it gets to be too much to handle, seek professional help.
Plumitcha
November 6th, 2015 1:19am
Total panic no, but some anxiety is. Sometimes we get nervous about something and that makes us fear it, but when the fear is so big you can't move, breath or even face it, then something is wrong and you should seek help
NickDB14
November 6th, 2015 4:56am
Panic attacks are definitely normal. Everybody gets super stressed from time to time. Keep hanging in there!
Anonymous
November 6th, 2015 5:44pm
Panic attacks are your bodies way of saying you are scared or fearing a situation or something. Your adrenaline has gone into overdrive thus creating a psychical reaction. x
Anonymous
November 7th, 2015 7:04pm
Panic attacks are the result of an uncontrolled cascade of emotions, internally connected by associative despondencies. Panic attacks can last for days, sometimes even presenting themselves on a near concious level. There are several 'tricks' one could try to master to counter the worst of these attacks, but in its core, they are often the result of long term mismanagement of emotional imbalance.
Mollyamber101
November 8th, 2015 5:24am
lol, i ask myself the same thing. yes, they are normal when it's due from trauma, or passed down from family.
Bazinga88
November 11th, 2015 4:54am
You are normal. What you want to focus on is how to best regain control of your mind and body so you can resume your life as soon as possible.
JoeAmod
November 12th, 2015 11:30am
they are normal and everyone experiences them this is not a problem with you. please understand you are normal if you need help i am here
Anonymous
November 13th, 2015 4:10pm
Extremely frequent panic attacks are not healthy. That doesn't mean that it isn't normal. You are not crazy for having them; however. I have suffered from them for many years.