If you had a panic attack for the first time, it may be a one-off in response to something happening to your body or mind. Most of the common things that can create the right conditions for a panic attack can happen to anyone.
Even if you didn’t think you were that stressed out, or you’ve been through situations like that before, it’s possible to have your first panic attack after or during a stressful fight, a difficult exam, a period of exhaustion, and things like that.
You can even have a panic attack because of stress or exhaustion from something you’re otherwise enjoying, like doing a challenging project or training your body. It’s possible to be in a stressful situation and feel fine, even totally level headed and in control, then have a panic attack afterwards.
A single panic attack doesn’t mean you need to reconsider your entire routine or that you can’t handle stress — just that you may need to slow down and tend to your body and mind for a bit. Check in with your doctor to see if there’s anything medical that may be contributing to, or could help prevent, panic attacks.
This article is part of the “So You Had A Panic Attack” resource guide. Go back to the SYHAPA index page
