If you’ve ever wondered about the power of our minds over our bodies, then a panic attack is a striking illustration of how influential our thoughts can be on our physical state.

Our minds can generate a range of physical symptoms. Although everyone is different, you may not experience all of these symptoms during a panic attack. However, experiencing several of these together likely indicates a panic attack.

• A feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness. This often occurs at the beginning of the attack. You may feel as though you've had too much to drink, or sense the room shifting around you. There may be a rushing sound in your ears as blood moves away from your brain, causing a feeling of faintness.
• Difficulty in breathing. Your throat may feel as if it has a large lump in it, making it painful to swallow. Your chest tightens and constricts, making it difficult to take deep, slow breaths. It feels a bit like you've just been sprinting for a few kilometers and need to catch your breath.
• Increased heart rate. Your pulse becomes faster and fluttery, sometimes a little uneven. Your heart thumps against your chest and you find it hard to slow it down even if you are sitting still.
• Hot flushes. Your face feels flushed, almost as if you have a high temperature. You may also feel nauseous, as if trying to fight off an infection.

Many people confuse the sensation of panic with having a heart attack. The feeling can be strikingly similar. For this reason, it is a good idea to seek professional attention to ensure there is no physical cause for your symptoms.