The 7 Scariest Panic Attack Symptoms
— and How Faith Brings Calm
It often begins quietly.
A flutter in your chest.
A sudden wave of heat.
A thought that stops you cold:
“Something is wrong with me.”
If you’ve ever felt this, you know how frightening panic can be. Your body reacts as if there’s an emergency—even when there isn’t one.
Here’s the reassurance many women need:
Your body is most likely healthy.
Panic sensations feel intense and alarming, but they are usually harmless—even when they feel overwhelming.
Why Panic Feels So Physical
Panic is not a weakness of faith or character. It’s a nervous system response.
When the brain misinterprets a normal sensation as a threat, your fight-or-flight system activates instantly. Stress hormones surge. Breathing changes. Muscles tighten. Your heart speeds up.
At the same time, anxious thoughts rush in:
Am I dying?
Am I losing control?
What if I pass out?
These thoughts don’t mean danger is present—they’re the mind’s natural response to fear. Understanding this alone can soften panic’s grip.
The Big 7: Common Panic Symptoms
Below are seven of the most frightening panic symptoms, along with what’s happening in the body.
Important note: Always rule out medical causes first. Once health concerns are cleared, these sensations can be understood as panic — not danger.
1. Racing Heart
Stress hormones increase heart rate to prepare the body for action. It feels alarming, but it is not harmful.
Faith in Action: Place a hand on your chest, breathe slowly, and pray: “God is my refuge. He holds my heart steady.”
2. Shortness of Breath or Chest Tightness
Tension in the chest and shallow breathing can create a powerful sensation of air hunger.
Faith in Action: Place hands on your belly, inhale slowly, exhale fully, and whisper: “Lord, fill me with Your peace.”
3. Lightheadedness or Feeling Faint
Rapid breathing and muscle tension can briefly affect circulation, creating dizziness or faintness.
Faith in Action: Slow your breath, repeating: “I am safe. God is with me.”
4. Tingling or Numbness
Changes in breathing can alter blood chemistry temporarily, causing tingling in the hands, lips, or feet.
Faith in Action: Wiggle fingers and toes, roll shoulders, and pray: “Lord, steady me even when my body feels strange.”
5. Shaking or Trembling
Adrenaline releases stored energy, which often shows up as shaking.
Faith in Action: Gently shake hands/legs, roll shoulders, and whisper: “Lord, steady me. I rest in Your strength.”
6. Hot Flashes or Chills
Stress hormones can temporarily affect temperature regulation.
Faith in Action: Adjust clothing layers, breathe slowly, and say: “God’s presence surrounds me; I am safe in Him.”
7. Feeling Detached or Unreal
Some people experience derealization or depersonalization during panic. This is a temporary stress response, not a loss of control.
Faith in Action: Ground yourself: notice nearby objects or textures and whisper: “Thank You, Lord, that You hold me steady in reality.”
Meet Your Panic — and See Your Personal Profile
Every woman experiences panic differently. If you want clarity about how panic shows up uniquely in your body and mind, consider taking the Free Panic Assessment.
It’s a simple, 5-minute tool that:
Identifies your personal triggers
Shows which symptoms are most common for you
Offers insights for your next step toward peace
This is not a diagnostic tool, but a guide to understanding your panic and planning a faith-filled response.
Meeting Panic with Calm and Faith
You can’t always stop panic—but you can respond with calm, understanding, and Scripture.
Pray: Tell God your fears.
Breathe slowly: Inhale deeply, exhale fully. For more step-by-step breathing exercises, download my mini-guide: The Breathing Solution.
Focus on reality: Notice what’s around you and use biblical affirmation. This download shows you how. It’s aptly named 7 Quick Anxiety Busters.
Responding with calm teaches your body and mind that panic sensations are not dangerous. Panic may visit, but it doesn’t have to master you.
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” — Psalm 56:3
“Do not be anxious about anything, but pray about everything.” — Philippians 4:6
With consistent, faith-filled practice, you can face panic with calm confidence and God’s peace.
Quick Reference: Faith-Filled Panic Relief
Belly breathing: Slow inhale, slow exhale
Grounding: Notice objects, textures, or sensations around you
Gentle movement: Shake hands/legs, roll shoulders
Prayer/Scripture: Say short prayers or repeat comforting verses
Next Step: Personalized Guidance
If you’re ready to move past fear and anxiety with support, you don’t have to do it alone.
👉 Take the Free Panic Assessment to see your Panic Profile and discover your next steps.
Whether your path leads to Panic to Peace Coaching, one-on-one counseling, or deeper self-paced work, this simple assessment is your first step toward clarity and peace.
Optional Next Step: Calm in the Chaos
For women who want a gentle, self-paced option to begin understanding panic and practicing faith-filled responses, Calm in the Chaos is available. If you are interested in this $33 mini-course, here is the link to the Calm in the Chaos Course.
Four short modules
Practical tools and exercises
Designed for women who prefer to move at their own pace