Can an Anxiety Attacks Kill You?

Can an anxiety attack kill you? All in all, I’m sure those that have had one have wondered that in their lifetime. They certainly feel like they could.

At this point, you get that choking feeling and not being able to take that next breath when you desperately want to.

How about the stabbing pain in your chest? Is it a heart attack or just anxiety? Certainly feels like a heart attack.

Or sometimes you get this piercing pain in your head. Could it be the beginnings of a stroke? Certainly, anxiety mimics so many devastating circumstances that ail us.

What is a panic attack?

According to Lifeline:

“A panic attack is a sudden and intense feeling of terror without the presence of danger. Panic attacks are usually brief and frightening while they last. Sometimes there is a specific trigger, while at other times they seem to come out of the blue. While panic sensations are a natural response to danger, panic attacks are usually out of proportion to any actual danger you might be facing.”

Hence, one in 4 people will experience one or more panic episodes in their lifetime. So, can an anxiety attack kill you? The answer is no.

While there are some genetic factors, experiencing a panic attack is normal and not a sign that you are weak or lesser than others. So, can an anxiety attack kill you? The answer is no. Then why do I feel like I’m dying?

Why do I feel like I’m dying during a panic attack?

When a panic attack comes on with full force, it can be terrifying, to the point that it feels catastrophic—you can convince yourself that you’re dying.

Freefalling into panic sensations can feel debilitating, like a sense of circling the drain of doom.

Although, sometimes, this is exacerbated by hypersensitivity to cues in our bodies, a distressing sense of loss of control, and detachment from ourselves or our surroundings.

Consequently, panic can stir and disrupt your digestive system, heighten or blur vision, compel shortness of breath, and bring on chest pain, sweating, tingling, and numbness.

Also, hyperventilation or shallow, rapid breathing can jumpstart feelings that make you feel like your very survival is both urgently stirred and yet rapidly dimming all at once.

Subsequently, to me, what’s worse isn’t just the one-off panic attack, but rather the anticipatory anxiety, the secondary effects that result.

A person is so afraid of having another panic attack, especially in public, that they start to avoid public places.

What’s the worst an anxiety attack can do?

Anxiety and physical health problems

So, can an anxiety attack kill you? No, but untreated anxiety can do you harm. Moreover, some studies suggest that experiencing anxiety could increase the risk of developing certain long-term physical health problems. Those include diabetes, stomach ulcers and heart problems.

But there’s not enough evidence to say for sure exactly what the risks are, or what groups of people are most likely to be affected.

At the same time, sometimes it might be difficult to work out whether your symptoms are totally related to anxiety, or might be related to a different illness.

I’ve been to the ER plenty of times because of chest pains. But I’ve learned to disinguish a panic attack from a heart attack.

With a panic attack, the chest pain doesn’t last a long time. With a heart attack it does.

Can Constant Anxiety Attacks Kill You?

Anxiety itself is not fatal, but long-term, untreated anxiety can lead tp physical health complications that may cause your risk of death.

These complications include: High blood pressure, Weakened immune system, Increased risk of heart disease, More frequent migraines, and Increased risk of suicide.

Before I was put on medicine for anxiety, I was in a constant state of hyperness. I couldn’t sleep and I couldn’t sit still.

Eventually, I was put on a benzo called Clonazepam (Klonopin) which turned my life around. I had been on it years ago but became addicted to it.

Therefore, I swore that if I ever put on it again, I would have a different mindset. I wouldn’t use it to get that ‘high’ from it. I would use it for what it’s intended for. So far, so good!

When is an anxiety attack serious?

So, can an anxiety attack kill you? No, it’s just a nuisance .At length, an anxiety attack can be serious if it’s extreme, or if it’s causing problems with your daily life. You should seek professional help if your anxiety:

Interferes with your life. Anxiety can interfere with your relationships, work, or other parts of your life.
Is difficult to control. Even so, you might feel upset by your anxiety or fear, and have trouble managing it.
Is linked to other health concerns. Markedly, you might have suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or other mental health concerns, along with your anxiety. You might also think your anxiety is related to a physical health problem.
Doesn’t go away. If your anxiety is intense or doesn’t go away after a few days, you should consider reaching out to a healthcare professional.

Obviously, I know Big Pharma will like this comment, but thank god for medicine. I would still be in a constant state of panic if it weren’t for meds.

BUT, there are other avenues out there that I would like to gradually try. Like microdosing. Several people have messaged me about it.

What is the most serious form of anxiety?

In a word, panic disorder is considered a severe form of anxiety disorder because it involves sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear or terror.

These episodes, called panic attacks, can feel frightening and can peak within minutes.

Nonetheless, people with panic disorder may experience physical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat. Also, has feelings of impending doom or losing control.

During a panic attack, it’s also possible to dissociate and feel detached from your body. Therefore, people with panic disorder may also be afraid of having future panic attacks.

My most severe panic attack was when I was doing a job interview. I felt like I was standing on the outside watching myself trying to breath.

I did the 4-square box breathing technique which brought me back to reality and back in my body.

Can a person with anxiety live long?

So, can an anxiety attack kill you? The answer is no, but don’t let it go untreated if you have more.

Meanwhile, it is already known that people with mental health disorders tend to have shorter lives, and poorer quality health, than the general population.

Hence, people with poor mental health show an increased tendency to develop conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, and these conditions tend to worsen with age.

In the same fashion, a 2019 study found that on average people with mental disorders had shorter life expectancy (in comparison to the general population) by 10 years for men and seven years for women.

The King’s research suggests that this is because mental health is linked to accelerated ageing.

How To Subdue A Panic Episode In 8 Steps

Here is something you can try to treat the pre-described panic attack symptoms,

Thus, it is a series of simple breathing techniques aimed at helping your body override its natural fight-or-flight response (nervous system) and to prevent panic attacks.

The following deep breathing exercises may be performed sitting down, standing up, or lying down.

Undoubtly, you can do this whilst on a crowded commute into work, when you’re in bed, or during a stressful work meeting. Basically in any situation where it is safe to switch your attention to yourself for a few minutes.

To feel less panicky, do the following:

Firstly, with your nose, take a slow and deep breath.
Then exhale with your mouth. It make take a few rounds of breathing to slow your inhale and exhale cycle – this is totally normal.
If it is safe to do so, close your eyes with the next inhale.
Fourthly, repeat this 5 times (keep your eyes closed for the duration of this exercise – if appropriate).
Again, through your nose, take a deep and slow breath but this time, do it over the course of 7 seconds.
In addition, then hold your breath for 3 seconds.
Like before, exhale with your mouth but this time, exhale over the course of 7 seconds.
Lastly, repeat this slow inhale, hold, and exhale process for 10 cycles or until you begin to feel better.

Other techniques to stop panic attacks:

Nonetheless, here are some techniques that may help stop a panic attack:

Breathing. Focus on slow, deep breathing to help reduce hyperventilating. You can try counting to five while breathing in and out. Also, you can try a breathing exercise like making a “whoosh” sound as you exhale.
Focus on your senses. Try to notice things around you, such as what you can see, hear, smell, touch, or taste. You can also try grounding techniques, like focusing on a single object and describing its qualities to yourself.
Challenge negative thoughts. Therefore, remind yourself that panic attacks don’t cause anything bad to happen, and that you’re feeling anxiety, not real danger.
Practice relaxation. Try progressive muscle relaxation, tensing and then relaxing one muscle at a time, starting with your fingers or toes. You can also try turning your head gently to the left and right, looking up and down, and bringing your eyes back to center.
Other techniques. You can also try stamping on the spot, changing your scene, smelling or tasting something strong. Also, by doing something you enjoy, like reading, walking, or watching television.

Sum It All Up

So, you now know that panic attacks can’t kill you, but untreated anxiety can lead to serious health issues.

And some techniques to help when a panic attack pops up. Consequently, I like using the breathing and 5 senses techniques. I feel like it stops the panic attack dead in its tracks.

I also limit myself to social situations or at least limit my time for those situations. If I have to go to the store, I’m only in there for 10-15 minutes tops.

I can’t handle (yet) doing a full shopping day. One day I will be. Subsequently, I was just thinking how my world turned upside down because of anxiety.

I’m limited to this and that. I can’t do this or that. It sucks! I want my life back! I want how I used to be. In truth, that person is hiding behind the new me right now.

I hope one day she will get the courage to come out in the open and into the sunshine. I miss her. She’s quick witted and patient. And also full of life.

One of these day’s you’ll get to meet her and I will be grateful. Until next time…

Articles About Anxiety Attacks

-Anxiety and panic attacks

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/self-care

-How can you stop a panic attack?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321510

-Do You Live with Anxiety? Here Are 13 Ways to Cope

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-to-cope-with-anxiety#summary

Have a Good One,

Cindee Murphy, One Voice In The Vastness Of Emotions

“Living with anxiety is like being followed by a voice. It knows all your insecurities and uses them against you. And it gets to the point when it’s the loudest voice in the room-it’s the only one you can hear.” – Unknown

“It is very hard to explain to people who have never known severe depression or anxiety the sheer continuous intensity of it. There is no off switch.” – Matt Haig

“Fear is interest paid on a debt you may not even owe.” – Unknown