The 7 Scariest Panic Attack Symptoms
and How Faith Brings Calm
It may start with a flutter in your chest. Then a wave of heat, dizziness, or that thought that stops you in your tracks: “Something’s wrong with me.”
If you’ve ever felt that, you know how frightening panic can be. Your body reacts as if there’s an emergency, even when there isn’t one.
The good news? Your body is most likely healthy.
Panic and anxiety can trigger intense physical sensations, but these are usually harmless—even when they feel terrifying.
How Panic Affects Your Body
When your body panics, your brain misinterprets a normal sensation as a threat. In a split second, your fight-or-flight system releases adrenaline and cortisol. Your heartbeat quickens. Muscles tighten. Breathing becomes shallow or irregular.
Along with these sensations, you might hear the mind whisper: “Am I dying?” or “Am I losing control?” These thoughts are natural reactions to fear, but they don’t mean your health is in danger.
Understanding what’s happening in your body can help you respond with calm instead of fear.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety and Panic
Anxiety isn’t just about worrying or overthinking. It can show up in your body in surprising ways—even when your mind feels calm.
Some common anxiety-related symptoms include:
Racing heart or palpitations
Shortness of breath or chest tightness
Sweating, shaking, or trembling
Nausea or gastrointestinal upset
Lightheadedness or faintness
Tingling or numbness in hands, lips, or feet
Hot flashes or chills
Feeling detached or unreal (derealization or depersonalization)
Increased need to urinate
Dry mouth
Important note: If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s always wise to check with a healthcare practitioner first. Panic-like sensations can sometimes indicate medical conditions, and confirming your health is an important first step.
Once medical causes are ruled out, you can start seeing these sensations differently. They’re your body’s way of responding to panic—not a signal that something is “wrong” with you.
The Big 7: Panic Symptoms Explained
Here are seven common panic symptoms, what’s happening in your body, and ways to bring your faith into action:
1. Tingling or Numbness (Hands, Lips, Feet)
Cause: Rapid breathing can change blood chemistry and temporarily narrow blood vessels.
Faith in Action: Wiggle fingers and toes, roll your shoulders, breathe deeply. Whisper: “Lord, steady me even when my body feels strange.”
2. Lightheadedness or Feeling Faint
Cause: Fast breathing and tense muscles can reduce blood flow, making you feel faint.
Faith in Action: Slow your breath—inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Repeat: “I am safe. God is with me.”
3. Racing Heart or Palpitations
Cause: Anxiety triggers adrenaline, speeding up your heart.
Faith in Action: Place a hand on your chest, breathe slowly, and pray: “God is my refuge. He holds my heart steady.”
4. Shortness of Breath or Chest Tightness
Cause: Tense muscles in your chest and diaphragm can make breathing feel difficult.
Faith in Action: Place your hands on your belly, inhale slowly, exhale fully, and pray: “Lord, fill me with Your peace and calm my racing thoughts.”
5. Hot Flashes or Chills
Cause: Stress hormones temporarily affect body temperature.
Faith in Action: Splash your face with cool water or adjust clothing layers. Breathe slowly and say: “God’s presence surrounds me; I am safe in Him.”
6. Shaking or Trembling
Cause: Adrenaline released in fight-or-flight causes trembling.
Faith in Action: Gently shake your hands and legs or roll your shoulders. Breathe deeply and whisper: “Lord, steady me. I rest in Your strength.”
7. Feeling Detached or Unreal
Cause: Some people feel detached from themselves or their surroundings during panic. This is called derealization or depersonalization and is temporary.
Faith in Action: Ground yourself: notice the chair beneath you, your clothing, or nearby objects. Whisper: “Thank You, Lord, that You hold me steady in reality.”
Meeting Panic with Calm and Faith
You can’t always stop panic—but you can respond with calm, understanding, and faith.
Pray: Speak your fears to God.
Breathe slowly: Inhale deeply, exhale fully.
Focus on reality: Notice what’s around you.
Each step teaches your body and mind that panic sensations are not dangerous. Panic may visit, but it doesn’t have to master you.
Psalm 56:3 — “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”
Philippians 4:6 — “Do not be anxious about anything, but pray about everything.”
With consistent, faith-filled practice, you can face panic with calm confidence and God’s peace.
Quick Reference: Faith-Filled Panic Relief
Here’s a fast guide to use when panic rises:
Belly breathing: Slow inhale, slow exhale
Grounding: Notice objects, textures, or sensations around you
Gentle movement: Shake hands/legs, roll shoulders
Prayer/Scripture: Whisper short prayers or repeat comforting verses
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to move past fear and anxiety with personal guidance and support, I invite you to schedule a free consultation.
Together, we’ll explore practical, faith-filled strategies to help you face panic, worry, and intrusive thoughts with confidence and peace.
👉 Schedule Your Free Consultation. Click here.
References
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Mayo Clinic. 2025. “Depersonalization‑Derealization Disorder — Symptoms & Causes.” September 5, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depersonalization-derealization-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352911.
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Romanelli, M. 2012. “Depersonalization, Derealization, and Panic Attacks.” VeryWellMind. March 31, 2012. https://www.verywellmind.com/depersonalization-and-derealization-2584238.
Seguí, J., et al. 2000. “Depersonalization in Panic Disorder: A Clinical Study.” Journal of Anxiety Disorders 14 (4): 343–350. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10834625/.
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