Panic Attacks

Ever found yourself in a stressful situation where you suddenly feel extremely unwell? We’re talking chest pains, shaking, fear, hyperventilation, a massively increased heart rate…? Nope, you probably weren’t having a heart attack. They could be symptoms of a panic attack.

Although a panic attack may sound similar to anxiety, and they do share some of the same symptoms, anxiety gradually builds up rather than coming on suddenly. When a panic attack hits, it might take you by surprise, and perhaps even cause you some extremely nasty physical side effects, even bringing on that heart attack. So, we need to keep these in check when possible.

When we designed this course, we decided that since the message is so important, we needed to keep it simple. So, there’s no fancy theme: instead, we follow an ‘everyman’ character who is suffering from panic attacks and doesn’t yet realise it. This helps keep it relatable and engaging.

We decided against quizzes and knowledge checks for this one, because learners that are already panicked could probably do without that. Even if the learners aren’t suffering and are just looking for the signs in others, it’s actually pretty hard hitting so the symptoms will likely be easily recalled anyway. Throughout, we’re keen to stress the support a sufferer can receive and come up with really useful ways learners can manage symptoms.