Panic attack symptoms explained by a GP

Khyber, a GP, explains how panic attack symptoms can be scary if you don’t know what’s going on 

Khyber says there are things you can do during a panic attack

Do

  • stay put, if it’s safe to do so, as your body will learn that it’s a false alarm
  • try to slow your breathing down

Find support for panic

A panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. Panic attacks can also have physical symptoms.

Read more about how to deal with panic attacks.

You can use the NHS inform panic self-help guide. This guide takes 40 minutes to complete and breaks down the symptoms, triggers and how to reduce them.

The Social on the BBC has useful tips on dealing with panic attacks.

Contact your GP practice if:

  • you want to speak to someone about your mental health 

If you need urgent help you can phone 111 and choose the mental health option to speak to the mental health hub. In an emergency phone 999.

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