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Is it normal to not be able to see when you're having a panic attack?

10 Answers
Last Updated: 05/15/2017 at 3:04pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
Moderated by

Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy

Psychotherapist

I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.

Top Rated Answers
Cyprinn
September 6th, 2016 3:26pm
Yes. It's temporary, though, like all symptoms that happen during a panic attack. A good mantra to keep in thought throughout this process is that it will pass. It will pass. It will pass.
Anonymous
May 15th, 2017 3:04pm
For me, yes. Normally when I have a panic attack, instead of bursting into tears, there's a process. I feel as if I cannot breathe, like I am drowning or being suffocated. I feel like I cannot move, tied to something then I feel myself shrinking into something so tiny. That's not even half of it. After getting there, I go deaf and can only hear myself telling myself things and trying to fix a problem. I then go blind, sometimes I faint because I get too overwhelemed. Ontop of this, I have bipolar disorder which can also breakthrough when I have a panic attack, as before i get the attack I start getting into a mood swing and I start yelling and pushing people out. I also start saying certain things that my normal, upset self wouldn't say. When I have a mood swing, being bipolar, it's almost 10x worse than your usual person being mad. I also feel a heat inside of me, and yelling lets that out.
Anonymous
January 24th, 2015 6:39am
My therapist says when i do that it's me trying to shut down and trying to avoid the issue. That it's the body way to cope and try to block out what is going on. I close my eyes and breathe and usually can sorta bring myself out of it..
dkotabarrios
April 2nd, 2015 12:31am
Yes, not everybody has specific panic attack triggers. A lot of people suffer from anxiety and have panic attacks regularly and have no idea when they will happen.
Anonymous
August 31st, 2015 7:41am
Panic attacks differ for many people. I know that I experience blurred vision or complete detachment from what I'm seeing, though I haven't had the experience of not being able to see completely.
Clissyy
June 8th, 2015 10:01pm
Because you're already so overwhelmed by the panic attack itself, your brain can't function properly. Therefore, sometimes, you're not able to recognize all of the symptoms, which leads you to not think that you're currently not having a panic attack. There's also the fact that everyone experiences panic attacks differently, so although there may be guidelines, there's no exact definition as to what a panic attack may or may not be.
Jodie9810
June 30th, 2015 12:32pm
Not being able to see during a panic attack can be quite a common thing. During a panic attack people often "see stars" and become dizzy which can cloud your eyesight and make it hard for you to see.
peacefulPond74
February 2nd, 2016 2:34pm
Yes When you are having a panic attack it feels like you are almost stuck in one mind set. It is very hard to "snap out" of it. But if you are self aware, or you have someone that understands that this happens to you they can always help you get out of it and see more clearly.
Reddy
July 5th, 2016 2:46am
Yes it can be. Not always but yes. If in doubt always check with your healthcare provider but "hysterical blindness" can be a symptom of a panic attack. As with ALL panic attack symptoms it WILL pass.
MPuffin
July 5th, 2016 10:07am
yes as different people have different symptoms. each panic attack is different so you may not have the same symptoms each time

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