Panic attacks can be overwhelming and almost terrifying, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, a racing heart, and sometimes body aches as well. But panic attacks don’t just impact your body, often causing a range of unseen emotions such as fear, anxiety, worry and almost a sense of inevitable danger. Some people respond to this overwhelm with anger, while others may respond with an outpouring of tears and uncontrollable crying. Let’s understand why some people may cry during panic attacks, while also discussing ways to cope in healthier ways.
Understanding Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear and anxiety that can occur unexpectedly. They can lead to a variety of physical symptoms, including a rapid heart rate, trembling, sweating, and a sense of impending doom. Experiencing panic attacks can be incredibly distressing and emotionally exhausting. Thus, some people may cry during panic attacks to release pent-up emotions and stress or due to the sense of fear and uncertainty of that moment. However, symptoms of panic attacks differ for everyone, so uncontrollable crying may not always indicate panic attacks. We must then look at other symptoms to determine whether an individual is experiencing a panic attack.
Some symptoms of panic attacks are:
- Intense fear or constant worry
- Dry mouth
- Shaking or trembling
- Strong feelings of being in danger
- Feeling dizzy
- Nausea
- Sweaty palms
- Feeling like you are losing control
- Headaches
If uncontrollable crying occurs alongside the symptoms mentioned above, it might indicate that someone is experiencing a panic attack.
How to stop a crying panic attack?
Coping with panic attacks can be stressful, and uncontrollable crying might make coping seem even more difficult. The following table discusses a few techniques you can use to regulate overwhelming emotions and stop crying:
| Technique | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Acceptance | Understand that panic attacks affect everyone differently. Crying during a panic attack is normal and can be a way to release emotions. Accepting it fosters self-compassion and prevents self-blame. |
| Talk to Someone | Sharing your feelings with a friend or family member can provide emotional support, a sense of safety, and relief, helping reduce crying episodes. |
| Healthy Distractions | Divert your attention from panic and anxiety through activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, walking in nature, watching funny videos, or engaging in hobbies. |
| Journaling | Writing about your feelings gives you an emotional outlet and helps identify triggers for panic attacks and crying episodes. |
Other Reasons for Uncontrollable Crying
It is important to understand that uncontrollable crying can have multiple underlying causes, apart from panic attacks. Sometimes people tend to cry when they are angry, overwhelmed, sad, or even burnt out.
When to seek professional help?
If uncontrollable crying occurs repeatedly and is a particularly distressing aspect of panic attacks, interfering with your everyday life, you might want to consider consulting a trained mental health professional. Mental health professionals can provide guidance, tools, and coping strategies to help you manage your emotions during panic attacks. Click here to book a session with our therapists and begin your journey towards freedom from panic attacks right away
Conclusion:
A panic attack manifests differently for everyone. Some people might cry as a result of intense fear or overwhelming emotions, while others might react in some other way, like being irritable, etc. While uncontrollable crying may not always be an indication of a panic attack, it is certainly a sign of underlying, unresolved emotions. Identifying the reasons for uncontrollable crying is key to finding the right treatment
References:
- Crying for No Reason: Causes, Solutions, and More. (n.d.). Retrieved January 12, 2024, from https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/signs/feel-like-crying
- How to Stop Crying so Much, so Easily, and at Work. (2017, October 10). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-crying
- Services, D. of H. & H. (n.d.). Panic attack. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved January 12, 2024, from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/panic-attack
- Uncontrollable Crying: Potential Causes & How to Stop. (n.d.). Choosing Therapy. Retrieved January 12, 2024, from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/uncontrollable-crying/
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