Have you ever suddenly felt like your heart was racing, your chest felt tight, or you couldn’t catch your breath—even though there wasn’t any immediate danger? Maybe you felt dizzy, shaky, or convinced something terrible was about to happen.
If this sounds familiar, you may have experienced a panic attack.
At Balance Point Wellness, we help children, teens, and adults throughout Maryland and Delaware understand and manage panic attacks with compassionate, evidence-based care. We proudly offer in-person appointments in Baltimore, Bel Air, Hunt Valley, Overlea, and Salisbury, along with secure virtual therapy and medication management appointments throughout Maryland and Delaware. If you’re looking for support close to home, explore our Maryland locations to find the office that’s most convenient for you.
Panic attacks can be frightening, especially if you’ve never had one before. Many people mistake their first panic attack for a heart attack or another serious medical emergency. Understanding what a panic attack feels like, why it happens, and how it’s treated can help reduce fear and encourage you to seek the support you deserve.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or overwhelming anxiety that causes powerful physical and emotional symptoms. Panic attacks often occur unexpectedly and can feel frightening, even when there is no real danger.
Although panic attacks are not life-threatening, they can significantly affect your daily life, relationships, work, and overall well-being if they become frequent.
Most panic attacks peak within 10 to 20 minutes, though some symptoms may linger longer.
What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?
Everyone experiences panic attacks differently, but many people describe them as feeling like:
- Your heart is pounding or racing
- You can’t catch your breath
- Your chest feels tight or painful
- You’re choking or suffocating
- You feel dizzy or lightheaded
- Your body begins shaking
- You suddenly start sweating or experience chills
- Your hands, feet, or face feel numb or tingly
- You feel detached from yourself or your surroundings
- You think you’re losing control
- You believe you’re dying or having a heart attack
For many people, these symptoms are so intense that they seek emergency medical care during their first panic attack.
Emotional Symptoms of a Panic Attack
Panic attacks affect more than just your body. They can also create overwhelming emotional distress, including:
- Intense fear
- A sense of impending doom
- Feeling trapped
- Fear of embarrassment
- Fear of losing control
- Worry about having another panic attack
Afterward, it’s common to feel emotionally drained, exhausted, or anxious about when another panic attack might occur.
Can You Die From a Panic Attack?
One of the most common questions people ask is, “Can you die from a panic attack?” Although panic attacks can feel overwhelming and may mimic symptoms of a heart attack, panic attacks themselves are not life-threatening.
However, because symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a racing heartbeat can also be signs of a serious medical condition, you should always seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing these symptoms for the first time or believe you may be having a medical emergency.
Once a medical cause has been ruled out, a mental health professional can help determine whether panic attacks or an anxiety disorder may be contributing to your symptoms.
What Causes Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks can happen for many different reasons. Sometimes there is an obvious trigger, while other times they seem to come out of nowhere.
Common causes include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety
- Chronic stress
- Trauma or PTSD
- Major life changes
- Grief and loss
- Depression
- Financial stress
- Relationship challenges
- Work or school pressures
- Poor sleep
- Excess caffeine
- Certain medications
- Medical conditions
Repeated panic attacks may develop into panic disorder, a condition in which someone becomes fearful of future attacks and begins avoiding places or situations where they think one might occur.
Common Triggers for Panic Attacks
While everyone’s experience is unique, panic attacks are commonly triggered by:
- Public speaking
- Crowded places
- Driving
- Flying
- Conflict or relationship stress
- Health anxiety
- Financial concerns
- Major life transitions
- High-pressure work environments
- Lack of sleep
- Too much caffeine
Sometimes panic attacks occur without any clear trigger at all.
Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack
Although many people use these terms interchangeably, they are not exactly the same.
Panic Attack
- Comes on suddenly
- Often reaches peak intensity within minutes
- Causes intense physical symptoms
- May happen without warning
Anxiety Attack
- Builds gradually
- Usually develops in response to ongoing stress or worry
- May last longer
- Symptoms are often less intense
Both anxiety and panic attacks can significantly impact daily life and deserve professional attention if they become frequent or interfere with your relationships, work, or overall well-being.
When Panic Attacks Become Panic Disorder
Occasional panic attacks can happen during times of high stress. However, repeated panic attacks may develop into panic disorder.
Signs of panic disorder include:
- Frequent panic attacks
- Constant worry about having another attack
- Avoiding certain places or situations
- Missing work or school
- Difficulty enjoying everyday activities
- Changes in relationships due to anxiety
The good news is that panic disorder is highly treatable with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
How to Calm a Panic Attack
Although panic attacks can feel overwhelming, there are strategies that may help reduce symptoms in the moment.
Try these techniques:
- Take slow, controlled breaths.
- Remind yourself the panic attack will pass.
- Practice the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique.
- Relax your shoulders and muscles.
- Focus on one object in the room.
- Avoid fighting the sensations.
- Reach out to someone you trust if possible.
While these strategies may help during a panic attack, recurring panic attacks often benefit from professional treatment that addresses the underlying causes of anxiety.
How Therapy Can Help Panic Attacks
The good news is that panic attacks are highly treatable.
At Balance Point Wellness, our licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—to help children, teens, and adults understand panic attacks, reduce anxiety, and build long-term coping skills.
CBT is considered one of the most effective treatments for panic attacks because it helps identify unhelpful thought patterns, reduce fear, and develop healthier responses to anxiety-provoking situations.
Therapy can help you:
- Identify panic attack triggers
- Learn calming breathing techniques
- Challenge fearful thinking patterns
- Reduce avoidance behaviors
- Build confidence in stressful situations
- Improve emotional regulation
- Develop healthy coping skills
- Prevent future panic attacks
To learn more about the support we provide, learn about our therapy services or meet our team of therapists to find the provider who best fits your needs.
Can Medication Help Panic Attacks?
For some individuals, medication can be an effective part of treatment, especially when panic attacks are frequent, severe, or significantly interfere with daily life.
At Balance Point Wellness, our experienced psychiatric providers work closely with therapists to determine whether medication may be appropriate as part of a personalized treatment plan.
To learn more, learn about our psychiatric medication management services or meet our psychiatric prescribers to discover how our team can support your mental health journey.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
You don’t have to wait until panic attacks become overwhelming before seeking help.
Consider reaching out to a mental health professional if:
- Panic attacks happen repeatedly
- You’re avoiding places because of fear
- Anxiety interferes with work, school, or relationships
- You constantly worry about your next panic attack
- Panic attacks are affecting your quality of life
Early treatment often leads to better long-term outcomes and can help prevent symptoms from becoming more disruptive.
Why Choose Balance Point Wellness for Panic Attack Treatment?
If panic attacks or anxiety are affecting your daily life, finding the right support can make all the difference.
At Balance Point Wellness, our therapists and psychiatric providers work together to create personalized treatment plans for children, teens, and adults. We offer evidence-based therapy, psychiatric medication management, in-person care throughout Maryland, and secure virtual appointments across Maryland and Delaware.
When you choose Balance Point Wellness, you’ll benefit from:
- Therapy and psychiatric medication management in one practice
- Experienced therapists and psychiatric providers
- Evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- In-person appointments throughout Maryland
- Secure virtual therapy and medication management throughout Maryland and Delaware
- Most insurance plans accepted
- New patient intakes often available within 24 hours
- Compassionate, individualized care for children, teens, and adults
Compassionate Mental Health Care Throughout Maryland and Delaware
Balance Point Wellness proudly provides therapy and psychiatric medication management for children, teens, and adults.
We offer in-person appointments in:
- Baltimore
- Bel Air
- Hunt Valley
- Overlea
- Salisbury
We also provide secure virtual therapy and medication management appointments throughout Maryland and Delaware, making high-quality mental health care more accessible wherever you are.
We help individuals experiencing:
- Panic attacks
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- Stress management
- Life transitions
- Relationship concerns
- And more
Explore our Maryland locations to find the office nearest you.
Most insurance plans are accepted, and new patient intakes can often be scheduled within 24 hours, making it easier to get started when you’re ready. To make an appointment, please call 410-800-2169 or schedule online.
Meet Our Experienced Team
Whether you’re looking for therapy, medication management, or both, our compassionate providers are here to support you every step of the way.
You Don’t Have to Face Panic Attacks Alone
Whether you’ve experienced one panic attack or have been struggling with anxiety for years, support is available.
At Balance Point Wellness, our experienced therapists and psychiatric providers are here to help you better understand your symptoms, develop effective coping strategies, and regain confidence in your daily life.
We proudly provide in-person care in Baltimore, Bel Air, Hunt Valley, Overlea, and Salisbury, along with secure virtual therapy and medication management throughout Maryland and Delaware.
Most insurance plans are accepted, and new patient intakes can often be scheduled within 24 hours.
To schedule an appointment, call 410-800-2169 or visit bpointwellness.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panic Attacks
What does a panic attack feel like?
Many people describe a panic attack as feeling like they’re having a heart attack. Common symptoms include a racing heart, chest tightness, dizziness, shortness of breath, shaking, sweating, and an overwhelming sense of fear or impending doom.
How long does a panic attack last?
Most panic attacks peak within 10 to 20 minutes, although some lingering symptoms may last longer.
Can panic attacks happen for no reason?
Yes. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly without an obvious trigger, particularly in people living with panic disorder.
What’s the difference between anxiety and a panic attack?
Anxiety typically builds gradually in response to stress, while a panic attack comes on suddenly and causes intense physical and emotional symptoms.
What is the fastest way to calm a panic attack?
Slow breathing, grounding exercises like the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, muscle relaxation, and reminding yourself that the feelings will pass can all help reduce symptoms.
Can panic attacks happen while sleeping?
Yes. Some people experience nocturnal panic attacks that wake them from sleep with many of the same physical symptoms experienced during daytime panic attacks.
Can children and teenagers have panic attacks?
Yes. Panic attacks can occur in children, adolescents, and adults. Early intervention can help young people develop healthy coping skills before anxiety becomes more severe.
Can therapy help stop panic attacks?
Therapy—particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—is considered one of the most effective treatments for panic attacks. Many people experience fewer panic attacks and greater confidence after learning practical coping strategies.
Can medication help panic attacks?
Yes. Medication may be recommended for individuals experiencing frequent or severe panic attacks. Our psychiatric providers can determine whether medication is appropriate based on your individual needs.
Where can I find treatment for panic attacks in Maryland?
Balance Point Wellness offers therapy and psychiatric medication management for individuals experiencing panic attacks, panic disorder, and anxiety. We provide in-person care in Baltimore, Bel Air, Hunt Valley, Overlea, and Salisbury, along with virtual appointments throughout Maryland and Delaware.
When should I seek professional help?
If panic attacks are becoming frequent, causing you to avoid certain situations, or interfering with work, school, relationships, or daily life, it’s time to speak with a licensed mental health professional.