Panic Attacks and Suicide

What is a panic attack?

Feeling anxiety is normal when someone is in danger (real or perceived) that threatens their physical or mental wellbeing. In these moments, the body activates its survival response: breathing faster, sweating, heightened awareness, etc.

Attaque de panique

Panic attacks happen when this reaction occurs suddenly and intensely, without real danger or disproportionately to the stress being experienced at the time. Panic attacks can happen unexpectedly, but also in situations where someone is scared of having another panic attack. 

How to recognize a panic attack? 

Different symptoms can be associated with panic attacks. Here are a few of them: 

  • Heart palpitations or accelerated heartrate; 
  • Shaking or muscle spasms; 
  • Shortness of breath or feeling of suffocation; 
  • Feeling of choking; 
  • Chest pain or discomfort; 
  • Abdominal discomfort or nausea; 
  • Vertigo, lightheadedness, or feeling faint; 
  • Fear of losing self-control or going crazy; 
  • Fear of dying; 
  • Numbness or tingling sensation; 
  • Feeling of being detached from one’s body; 
  • Shivers or hot flashes. 

What consequences can be associated with panic attacks? 

When they occur repeatedly, panic attacks can lead to: 

  • Fear of having another panic attack; 
  • Avoiding public spaces (enclosed areas, public transport, etc.); 
  • Fear or being alone in open spaces (that seem infinite); 
  • Missing work or school; 
  • Increased substance or alcohol use; 
  • Suicidal thoughts. 

You experience panic attacks and suicidal thoughts? 

Experiencing panic attacks can be very difficult. For some people, they can be accompanied by suicidal thoughts. If this is your case, it’s important to tell someone about it. 

We encourage you to take a look at the following sections: 

01 Taking stock of your mental health

The first step toward taking back control is identifying what’s causing your suicidal thoughts.

02 Taking care of yourself

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and regain your balance when you’re having suicidal thoughts.

03 Talking about it with your loved ones

Asking for help from your family and friends isn’t always easy. There are different ways of going about it.

04 Finding support services

Every day, all sorts of people contact support services to get the help they need.

What to do if you have panic attack symptoms

If you have one or several symptoms associated with panic attacks, first call 811 option 2, Info-Social to talk about what you’re going through with a social worker and be oriented to local resources that can help support you as needed. 

To obtain an assessment or a follow-up with a mental health professional, speak to a general practitioner (such as a family doctor), a psychologist or contact your local CLSC.

Other resources can also help people who experience panic attacks. 

Find resources

Some tips for managing and preventing panic attacks 

What I'm going through...