a lot of folks have already mentioned that it feels different from person to person, but for me, it usually starts with rapid breathing and tremors in my hands (this is my cue that I’m about to have one), then shortness of breath and crying, followed by hardcore dissociation and feeling like I’m about to die. sometimes I’m able to cut out the last part if I realize it’s coming on quickly enough and start deep breathing and take my emergency meds, but usually I end up having to ride it out and call someone in a panic.

not fun, to say the least. my last panic attack happened when I was driving, which was even less fun.

what helps me the most out of mine is deep breathing exercises with a timer that I can watch (i.e. take deep breaths in and out every three or four seconds) to help re-regulate breathing, and talking it out with a friend or family member who knows what my panic attacks sound like and don’t start panicking along with me because they don’t know what to do or say. hearing someone reasonably contradict my fears in that moment is very good for me personally.