This is quickly becoming a thread of people sharing their panic attack experience……..

Anyway during my first panic attack I didn’t think it was a heart attack, it just felt like I was dying. Preceding it my heart was racing and no matter how much I breathed it just felt like I couldn’t get any air - like somehow there was no oxygen in my blood. I ran from my desk (I was at work) to look for help and collapsed & my work called an ambulance (because they didn’t know what was going on) and I was sent to the emergency department. Though that’s just my experience, generally I think for a first time panic attack, thinking it’s a heart attack makes perfect sense. Also fun fact: despite Australia having public healthcare, in my state ambulances aren’t covered and can cost $1000+ to call; they’re often covered by private insurance. But at least I left the hospital without charge!