Mental Health & Wellbeing Resource Library · Anxiety series
Panic disorder
Repeated panic attacks can make the next attack itself feel frightening.
Understanding
A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear or discomfort, often with strong physical sensations. Panic disorder involves repeated attacks and ongoing fear about having another. Panic symptoms can feel frightening, and new or unexplained physical symptoms should be checked medically.
A person may begin to fear the sensations themselves, which can make the next rush of anxiety feel even stronger.
Signs & symptoms
- A pounding heart, sweating, trembling or feeling hot or cold
- Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness or nausea
- Feeling detached, frightened of losing control or afraid something terrible will happen
- Worrying about another attack and changing routines to avoid one
Chest pain or severe new symptoms need appropriate medical assessment; do not assume every physical symptom is panic.
How it can affect you
The fear of another attack can affect travel, exercise, classes, work and time with other people. Some people start avoiding the places where an attack happened or where they worry escape would be difficult.
This can make daily life smaller, even between attacks.
Coping strategies
- If safe, pause and remind yourself that the intense feeling will pass
- Let your breathing settle slowly and gently; avoid forcing very deep breaths
- Name things you can see, hear and feel to anchor yourself in the present
- Keep a brief note of patterns and speak with a GP about recurring attacks or avoidance
If you are driving, pull over somewhere safe before trying a grounding exercise.
Support services in Kirklees
Your GP: Explain what you have noticed, how long it has been happening and what it is making harder. A GP can discuss assessment and suitable support.
Kirklees Talking Therapies: Explore the service’s current referral information for anxiety support. Check its eligibility and options directly.
Other local support: The Kirklees Council mental health directory lists local services. If you are supporting a child or young person, use the children and young people’s support page.
General information only. It does not diagnose a condition or replace professional advice. Read the NHS guide to panic disorder for more detail. Last reviewed for this site: 29 September 2026.