For anyone who has ever wondered “what does a silent panic attack feel like?” the answer might be deeply personal. But we can take you through some of the common signs and why they’re so easy to miss.
When we imagine someone having a panic attack, we picture gasping for breath, crying uncontrollably, or shaking. But silent panic attack is just the opposite.
It may seem contradictory, but it unfolds silently, without any outward signs, making it more difficult for both the person experiencing it and those around them to recognize.
So, what is a silent panic attack?
An intense internal experience of fear and anxiety without overt physical symptoms like shaking or hyperventilation is known as a silent panic attack. Although invisible from the outside, it can be as distressing as a normal panic attack and lead to feelings of dread, nausea, dizziness, or detachment.
In simple words, the body and mind go into panic mode, but the symptoms don’t show up in big, obvious ways. On the outside, you might look fine, maybe even calm, but on the inside, you might feel like your heart is racing, your thoughts are spiraling, or you’re about to lose control.
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If all this sounds a little similar, let’s walk through 9 signs of a silent panic attack and talk about how to ease it, before it escalates.
9 Debilitating Signs Of A Silent Panic Attack
1. You Feel A Sudden Sense of Dread
Wondering what does a silent panic attack feel like? It’s a sudden, heavy feeling in your chest can hit you out of nowhere, as if something terrible is about to happen. Is it a premonition or just overthinking? The unsettling part is that nothing around you seems to explain it. You could be watching TV or waiting in line for coffee, when suddenly, a rush of inexplicable fear washes over you.
2. Your Heart Races But You Stay Still
On the outside, you look calm. Inside, your heart is pounding so fast it feels impossible to ignore. You may even wonder if something is wrong with your heart. This is often what a silent panic attack feels like: your body reacting as if you’re in danger, even when you’re sitting quietly at your desk.
3. Your Breathing Feels Harder Than It Should Be
You’re not gasping or wheezing, but you feel like you just can’t get enough air. Each breath feels shallow, and you find yourself sighing or trying to take deep breaths without drawing attention. Silent panic doesn’t always look dramatic, but it feels suffocating from within.
4. The World Starts to Feel Unreal
You may feel detached from yourself, almost like you’re floating outside your own body, or that the world around you isn’t quite real. This sense of disconnection, called derealization or depersonalization, which can make you feel trapped in your own head.
5. You Break Into A Sweat (Or Get Chills)
One moment you’re fine, the next you’re clammy or covered in goosebumps. These sudden shifts can make you wonder if you’re coming down with something, but they’re actually your body’s way of reacting to panic.
6. You Can’t Seem to Relax Your Body
Your jaw tightens, your hands shake slightly, your shoulders are stiff. You might be bouncing your leg or clenching your fists without even realizing it. Silent panic attacks often show up in subtle muscle tension that no one else notices.
7. Your Thoughts Become Jumbled
In social interactions, you could find it difficult to follow along. Your thoughts might become overwhelmed by numerous “what if” scenarios, or your mind could freeze, making it challenging to express yourself. Regardless, you’ll probably feel detached from the current situation.
8. You Feel Completely Drained Afterward
After such an episode, you could feel quite drained and shaky, much like finishing a demanding race without anyone knowing. This lingering fatigue signals your body has gone through something intense, even if it wasn’t apparent to those around you.
9. Your Stomach Suddenly Acts Up
Panic frequently manifests initially in the digestive system. A sudden onset of nausea, stomach cramps, or a constricted feeling may appear without warning. This can be disquieting, particularly when it occurs without any preceding symptoms of illness, giving the impression that your body has undergone a quick change.
Silent panic Attack Vs Anxiety Attack: Are They The Same?
Isn’t this just anxiety, you might ask? Despite their similarities, they are not the same, in actuality. Anxiety typically happens over time as a result of continuous stress, tension, or overthinking. It can remain in the background, causing anxiety or nervousness all the time.
Unlike typical anxiety attacks, a silent panic attack manifests abruptly and without warning. It involves a heightened intensity and an overwhelming sensation, leading to one feeling disconnected from the current situation they’re in.
There won’t be many physical cues but internal indicators like dizziness, chest tightness, or a racing heart.
So, How You Can Stop A Silent Panic Attack?
Wondering how to stop a silent panic attack? Try to ground yourself with small steps might lower the intensity when you feel one coming on:
1. Keep your breathing in mind.
Inhale deeply, then let the air out a little longer than you breathed in. It helps signal your body to calm down.
2. Take a look around you.
Look around and name simple things you see like a chair, a window, a pen, just to remind yourself you’re safe.
3. Feel the ground beneath you.
Press your feet firmly into the floor or hold something steady in your hands. It can make you feel less adrift.
4, Let it pass.
Remember that panic episodes typically peak and then subside on their own. So, wait for it to get ease.
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Silent panic attacks may not be visible to others, but that doesn’t make them any less real. If you notice these signs in yourself, know that you’re not imagining it, and you’re not weak for struggling. Your experience is valid, so don’t be afraid to ask for help!
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