Explaining Your Scary Anxiety Symptoms

Every symptom of anxiety has a loving reason behind it - your body is just a little confused in the moment that there is no real danger present! Below  are 5 of my main panic attack symptoms, if you experience these, you are not alone! I take comfort in knowing these things are happening for a reason & my body is just trying to protect me. Practice sitting with these sensations and being okay with them.

Symptom: Blurred/Spotty Vision 

Why? "It is common to experience blurred vision during an adrenaline surge. This is because the pupils become dilated in order to allow more light into our vision so we are better prepared to fight or flight. More light, however, can also sometime cause blurred vision."

Symptom: Chest pain/fast heart-rate

Why? "When you feel anxious or are having a full-blown panic attack, the heart beats faster to pump more blood around the body to prepare for fight or flight.This, in turn, causes a contraction of the blood vessels which can lead to chest pain. It is also important to note that a rush of adrenaline does not damage the heart."

Symptom: Feeling dizzy/lightheaded

Why? "The heart pumps more forcibly [during a panic attack], which is associated with a rise in blood pressure. It is this rise in blood pressure that makes us feel light-headed and dizzy."

Symptom: Numbness/tingling

Why? "The heart pumps more forcibly [during a panic attack], which is associated with a rise in blood pressure. It is this rise in blood pressure that makes us feel light-headed and dizzy."

Symptom: Stomach pain

Why? "During fight or flight, blood is diverted away from areas of the body where it is not needed – for example, away from the stomach. This is why we frequently experience a churning sensation in the stomach or a 'butterflies' feeling when anxious.It is also very common to urgently need the toilet when you feel panicky. This is the body's way of trying to get rid of any unwanted weight which could slow it down during fight or flight."