For anyone wondering what they feel like...imagine that feeling of when you're just about to fall back in your chair...or when you trip and think you'll fall...

For anyone wondering what they feel like...imagine that feeling of when you're just about to fall back in your chair...or when you trip and think you'll fall...or when you're surprised by someone walking in on you. That initial 'gasp', sustained. For up to hours. I'd also feel a tightening of the chest, and on occasion the panic would crescendo and my limbs would start going numb and I'd start feeling faint. The first serious attack I had (it wasn't preceded by any trigger, I was just watching T.V. and eating) sent me to the emergency room, although I knew it was a panic attack and not life-threatening it got so bad that I thought it'd be worth it for my peace of mind (sidenote: it's not, and I got a nice bill). Drinking alcohol can help, but I would recommend to just endure the attack. I don't get panic attacks randomly anymore, but I may after a night of heavy drinking (which, ironically, might begin to stave off general anxiety). They are terrible. Fight-or-flight gone haywire. I'd know exactly what I was experiencing and could rationalize what was happening, but that made no difference. Thankfully, they are rare for me these days.