The sensation of feeling like you're "shutting down" or experiencing a sense of detachment from reality before a panic attack is a common phenomenon reported by many individuals who experience panic disorder or anxiety. This pre-panic phase is often referred to as the "prodromal stage."
There are several reasons why this might happen:
Heightened Anxiety: As a panic attack approaches, your body's anxiety response is activated. This can lead to an increase in stress hormones like adrenaline, which can cause physical sensations like dizziness, lightheadedness, or a feeling of being disconnected from your surroundings.
Fight or Flight Response: Panic attacks trigger the body's fight-or-flight response, which is a natural survival mechanism designed to prepare you for perceived threats. This can cause various physiological changes, including increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and a feeling of detachment.
Hyperventilation: When anxiety rises, some individuals may start to hyperventilate, taking rapid and shallow breaths. Hyperventilation can lead to changes in blood pH levels, which can cause sensations of tingling, numbness, or feeling faint.
Heightened Sensitivity: Before a panic attack, your body and mind might become hyper-aware of physical sensations, leading to increased focus on every slight change or discomfort, amplifying the sensations and potentially making them feel overwhelming.
Anticipatory Anxiety: If you have experienced panic attacks before, you might develop anticipatory anxiety, where you fear the onset of another panic attack. This anxiety alone can lead to physical and emotional symptoms.
Dissociation: Feeling detached from reality or experiencing a sense of unreality is a common symptom of panic attacks. It is referred to as dissociation and can occur during the prodromal stage or during the panic attack itself.
It's essential to remember that everyone's experience with panic attacks can be different, and not everyone will have the same prodromal symptoms. Additionally, while understanding why these sensations occur can be helpful, addressing the underlying panic disorder through therapy and/or medication is essential for managing and reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
If you haven't already, consider discussing your experiences with a mental health professional who can provide a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan to help you cope with panic attacks effectively.