How can I tell if I am having an anxiety attack?

A very fast going heart beat and pounding heart are two classic symptoms of an anxiety attack and can often lead you to believe that you are close to having a heart attack. This fear is very common and perfectly understandable but not true. So, although there is lot of information on internet and around about anxiety, do you consider yourself in a position to answer this question – “How can I tell if I’m having an anxiety attack?” Sometimes anxiety has unique and severe symptoms that can convince its sufferer that something very serious is happening to him than mere an anxiety attack! Hence, to know and be sure of an anxiety attack some of the signs are listed below:

• A feeling of being in a great danger
• A feeling that you are going to lose your self-control
• A feeling of detachment with one’s self or a feeling that everything is unreal
• A fear of getting mad
• Experiencing a sudden attack without any preconceived warning or cause
• A fear of having some serious medical conditions (like heart attack)
• Feeling that you will die soon or may be about to die.

Apart from these psychological symptoms, some physical symptoms that leads an anxiety sufferer to doubt his own health are:

• Experiencing a pounding heart
• Trembling vigorously or shaking accompanied by sweating
• Rapid heart beat
• Abdominal discomfort or nausea
• A feeling of discomfort or severe chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling too hot or too cold
• Tingling feelings or numbness
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy or may be faint

On experiencing any four or more of these above symptoms in combination with any or all of the psychological signs listed in the first list, be sure that you are under anxiety attack and need immediate treatment.
Anxiety attacks can get worse if not treated on time; there are various effective and safe methods to control and cure these attacks. Anxiety sufferers should first of all relax and try to calm down, speak to your doctor and take their advice; there are many helpful websites too which have tips and useful advices to lessen your anxiety. With the right approach and confidence, you can take this journey to cure yourself completely and feel better.