If you are having an episode of intense fear of apprehension, you could be having a panic attack. Panic attacks happen suddenly often without warning. They are sometimes mistaken for a heart attack of nervous breakdown. It usually lasts only a few seconds but sometimes they come in a series of episodes. Experiencing a panic attack can be a most frightening experience in a person’s life.

Panic attacks are characterized by symptoms that may include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and chest pain, among others. Others will be sweating profusely and experience nausea and dizziness. A person who is experiencing the attack is advised to lie on the bed and concentrate on what he is feeling at the moment. He should try and feel the discomfort until it gradually wears off. By actually experiencing and feeling it he will get a sense of self-awareness with the realization that it will come to pass.