Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear marked by numerous physical symptoms. They can affect anyone and can be triggered by several factors. With their complexity and severity, it is crucial to bring them to life sensitively and accurately when writing.
Describing a Panic Attack
A panic attack often begins subtly, with a sense of unease that quickly escalates into overwhelming terror. The common symptoms include:
- Pounding heart: The character’s heart may hammer in their chest, producing a deafening throb in their ears.
- Difficult breathing: They might struggle to breathe, feeling as though they’ve run a marathon.
- Shaking: The character could tremble uncontrollably, their hands quake or their entire body could shudder.
- Physical discomfort: Characters may experience sensations such as nausea or stomach-related issues.
- Altered Vision: Their vision may disfigure, akin to a fish-eye lens view
- Desire to escape: Overwhelmed by their surroundings, the character might feel a compelling urge to flee. This may result in an irrational and abrupt departure from current surroundings.
Misunderstanding the Situation
Not everyone understands what’s happening during their first panic attack. Characters might confuse their symptoms for a heart attack, or believe they’re merely having a ‘moment’ or ‘fit’.
Post Panic Attack Recovery
After a panic attack, characters often feel drained and exhausted. It could lead to increased hunger, due to the energy drained during an attack, or an overwhelming desire to sleep to restore energy.
Writing the Trigger
Panic attacks ensue from a trigger, which can be anything that causes an intense emotional response. It could range from something the character fears to a situation they hate, or even a circumstance they love. It purely depends on your character’s psychological make-up.
Reaction of Others
Characters witnessing a panic attack could react differently based on their understanding of the situation. They might dismiss the sufferer’s pain or may show empathy and concern. An important note for writers is that telling a character in the midst of a panic attack to ‘calm down’ often makes the situation worse.
Disorientation and Feeling of Danger
Characters might feel disoriented or perceive life-threatening danger during an attack. They may experience intense fear, a sensation of being stuck in their body, or being unable to escape, which contributes further to their panic.
Conclusions
When writing a panic attack, the key lies in understanding their nature and their impact. By accurately recreating the various symptoms during an attack, misunderstandings surrounding it, the aftermath, and identifying triggers, writing about panic attacks becomes more authentic and relatable. Remember, it’s crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity, making sure to illustrate the character’s experience without sensationalizing the severity or pain associated with panic attacks.