If you’re wondering whether your anxiety has been leading to panic attacks, read on to learn how to tell — and how to get help.

Alyssa’s Panic Attack

Alyssa is a high school senior and member of her school’s cheerleading team. She has never had a panic attack. When lifted into the air by her teammates during practice one day, she suddenly feels very dizzy. She fears that she is going to crash to the ground. She yells to her teammates to put her down. When they do, Alyssa begins shaking, hyperventilating, and notices her heart is racing. She tells her coach she thinks there is something wrong with her and runs, terrified, to the nurse’s office. After about ten minutes, she feels better and returns to her team. However, she refuses to be lifted into the air again.

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