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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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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
Anonymous
January 7th, 2016 4:35am
Panic attacks are very normal and very common. As a matter of fact, the feeling of "going crazy" is a symptom of a panic attack! Although common, it is important that you find out what is causing these attacks and how you can gain control over them.
WonderfulSunrise
January 14th, 2016 1:12am
Panic attacks are very normal, and can often make you feel like you are losing control, or "going crazy". They can be triggered by many different scenarios and situations, varying from person to person, so having one usually is a sign that something bigger is currently bothering you.
Princefull12
January 17th, 2016 6:18pm
I wake up in the middle of the night and have some crazy thughts during the day, when I feel like I'm going crazy, I for a split fraction of time "forget" where I am and I feel terrible all the time, I'm not used to this. I want to feel normal, again.
DancingAlong
January 17th, 2016 6:19pm
Panic attacks are not ideal, but they also are not uncommon. You are not going crazy just because you are experiencing these extreme moments of panic. Seek help here and with a professional
fruityFaith16
January 17th, 2016 7:50pm
Panic attacks can feel insane, but I promise you, you are NOT crazy. Find out if it runs in your family, because if it does, you know why you have panic attacks. See a phsycologist to figure out the right method for you.
MJ1
January 18th, 2016 5:10pm
panic attacks are normal and you arent going crazy you are safe and you can easily control them dont worry! if it keeps happening see the doctor they can help
Truckerwife08
January 21st, 2016 1:10am
They are sometimes but i dont think they are all the time. Sometimes just thinking about something thats a trigger cause it.
lotusberry
January 23rd, 2016 2:14am
They are so common! Very normal responses when something triggers your flight or fight response! With people who have panic disorders, this response goes haywire and is triggered when there is no danger present. You're not going crazy, your body is just protective of you!
Anonymous
January 24th, 2016 8:54pm
Putting too much pressure on yourself not to have a panic attack can actually make it worse. It is normal and as crazy as it may seem, don't try to fight it, accept that you are going to have a panic attack and try to deal with it.
lovelulux
January 28th, 2016 1:31pm
A panic attack can occur to anyone at any time, just some people are more susceptible to them. It is part of your body's 'fight or flight' response to danger. However, if panic attacks are affecting your daily life and limiting what you want to do, then seeking professional help is best.
Anonymous
January 30th, 2016 2:36am
I would not say that they are "normal" but they are common among some people. Panic disorder is a specific type of anxiety where certain triggers (or nothing at all) can cause different breathing patterns, shakiness etc.
xiwang150929
February 5th, 2016 4:08am
Yes they are normal. Anyone can have them at anytime that can be triggered/caused by the littlest thing or word. Just feeling a certain way will bring on a whole roller coaster of emotions that make you feel as if you are going crazy. But trust me, you are not.
Usefulkitty37
February 5th, 2016 4:31am
Yes. Lots of people have them. They can be caused by stress or anxiety but many people go through them.
Anonymous
February 10th, 2016 1:44pm
They happen to everyone myself included the best thing to do is let it all out and speak to someone perhaps even a listener here on 7Cups.
Appleyogi
February 10th, 2016 9:15pm
Panic attacks are common. 1 in 10 people will experience a panic attack at some point during their life. They are characterised by intense physical and mental reactions such as feeling sick, being unable to breath or fearing you're going to die. You can't die from a panic attack no matter how awful it feels. Learning to notice the signs of panic can help you to prevent them occurring. Being aware of you breathing is also very important. Learning to relax and stay as calm as you can will also help.
RachelRae777
February 11th, 2016 7:01am
Yes, panic attacks can normally feel like you are going crazy it is normal.. just a mental illness plenty of people have panic attacks i myself have panic attacks. You are not going crazy it is a chemical inbalance in the brain you have no control over it none of us do. But there are steps to help anxiety attacks. for example, taking a warm bath, breathing exercises, writing down how you feel, coming here, talking to a loved one on the phone, art, music. cold rag (if hot) etc..
Arakhthanda
February 12th, 2016 4:43am
Panic attacks as a response to an immediate danger is not. If it is an ongoing problem towards a situation in life that you have experienced, then I would actually talk to a professional to learn about what thought patterns makes you get into such response.
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2016 10:29am
Panic attacks are normal for some people, believe me I called them hot flashes before I knew what they were, Once you know what's going on though, breathing techniques are helpful or: My favorite: rubbing the pressure point in your ear; just higher than the ear canal on the inner ridge at the top place your finger on the side of the ridge facing your eyes, then rub in circles.
Ballard
July 19th, 2016 12:08pm
You're not going crazy, that is one of the symptoms of a panic attack. They are perfectly normal and most people get them at some point in their lives. If they are continuous, though, they can mean you have a Panic/Anxiety disorder and that, like other diseases, can be treated.
Anonymous
April 24th, 2017 7:15am
Just because not everyone gets them, doesn't mean they're not normal. They're a part of your life and you shouldn't feel ashamed or embarrassed about that
Originalsky777
November 7th, 2017 11:08am
Panic are not normal but to people who suffer things like anxiety disorders or PTSD disorders and other mental health issues suffer from panic attacks
Anonymous
July 24th, 2018 12:25am
While panic attacks aren't normal, you're not crazy either. It probably means you have too much stress and ineffective or insufficient coping mechanisms and support. I recommend seeking help from a psychiatrist, who can evaluate you and offer remedies. Best wishes.
kdrodriguez14
September 10th, 2018 9:06pm
Yes, they are normal! When they occur, try to remember to take deep breaths and think about positive things. (i.e. your favorite movie, your favorite color, etc.) When I have panic attacks, this always seems help me when I have a panic attack. Do not feel like you are going crazy either, because this is completely normal. Panic attacks can happen at random times, or when you are stressed over something. When it is a random time, try to remain positive and take deep breaths. When you are stressed over something, try to tell yourself that your situation will get better.