HBR Guide to Better Mental Health at Work (HBR Guide Series)

CHAPTER 6

Dealing with a Panic Attack

by Ruth C. White

You’re at work when you suddenly feel a deep sense of dread. Heart pounding, hands trembling, lightheaded and drenched in sweat, you can’t breathe. You think you’re having a heart attack and feel like you’re about to die. You’re about to call for an ambulance when the symptoms start to fade. You just had a panic attack.

What Is a Panic Attack?

The American Psychological Association (APA) describes a panic attack as “a sudden surge of overwhelming fear that comes without warning and without any obvious reason.” The feelings and physical symptoms you experience (such as shortness of breath and tightness in your chest) are very real and can be very scary. Panic attacks won’t kill you, but depending ...