Does a character in your book suffer from panic attacks? This is a post you need to read! In it, we demonstrate how to describe a panic attack in writing through the use of 10 great words.
1. Terrifying
Definition
Something that makes people very frightened.
Examples
“She could feel another terrifying panic attack coming, but all she could do was close her eyes and try to ignore the sensations.”
“He thought back to his terrifying panic attack. He’d never experienced such an awful feeling.”
How it Adds Description
“Terrifying” shows how scary the panic attack is for the person experiencing it. This adjective could imply that the panic attack is worse than usual, as it causes extra fear. If another character also describes it as “terrifying,” it shows the panic attack is also affecting spectators.
2. Shocking
Definition
Something that’s very bad.
Examples
“She backed away from the man having a shocking panic attack. He was starting to scare her.”
“The shocking panic attack caught the attention of nearby medics.”
How it Adds Description
“Shocking” emphasizes how bad something is and also hints that the event is surprising. If a character calls a panic attack “shocking,” they’re likely stunned by how bad it is, and this could paralyze them from making decisions. A “shocking” panic attack could imply that the character is very scared or stressed.
3. Endless
Definition
Something that endures for a very long time or seems like it won’t stop.
Examples
“She suffered from the endless panic attack for hours, and when it finally subsided, she was exhausted.”
“The nurse sat with the boy while his endless panic attack continued. She was worried she’d miss her dinner if it didn’t subside soon.”
How it Adds Description
Panic attacks can last for varying amounts of time, and “endless” implies that it feels like the panic attack will never end. If the character having a panic attack deems the situation “endless,” it can show that their sense of time is distorted by the experience. It can also hint that the panic attack is lasting longer than previous experiences.
4. Tremendous
Definition
Something very large or strong.
Examples
“The tremendous panic attack left the girl feeling weak and confused.”
“She was barely conscious throughout the tremendous panic attack, and in the end, she was stunned into silence.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show how significant your panic attack is, “tremendous” is an adjective that can help. This word shows that the panic attack is either larger than others or extremely strong in its effects and symptoms. For example, “tremendous” may signify that the symptoms are more extreme, and this further emphasizes the person’s suffering.
5. Intense
Definition
Something that’s very extreme or great in degree or strength.
Examples
“The intense panic attack blurred her vision, and she could feel her heart pounding.”
“He prayed for the end of his intense panic attacks, but he could feel his throat tightening again.”
How it Adds Description
“Intense” shows the severity of the fictional panic attacks. If a character has “intense” panic attacks, they may be scared of panic attacks and do anything to avoid them. An “intense” panic attack also allows you to show the characters are extremely affected by a trigger — for example, a worrying thought or a scary incident.
6. Slight
Definition
Something small in quantity or degree.
Examples
“He suffered a slight panic attack, but this didn’t bother him. He was back on the road in minutes.”
“Was that a slight panic attack? Or do you have hay fever?”
How it Adds Description
Not all panic attacks are extreme in degree, and “slight” can be used to portray a smaller panic attack. If a character experiences a “slight” panic attack, it can show they’re stressed but not to a large extent. Another character may call a panic attack “slight” to belittle someone’s experience in a nasty way.
7. Manageable
Definition
Something that people can deal with.
Examples
“She wished her panic attacks were manageable. That would make life ten times easier.”
“He thanked the universe that the panic attack was manageable. A large one would have ruined his day.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to show the panic attack is smaller and the characters can deal with it, “manageable” is an excellent word to use. “Manageable” shows the character is stressed but can still calm themselves down. It can also show that they’re experienced in dealing with panic attacks and have a history of them.
8. Daunting
Definition
Something that makes you feel worried or afraid about dealing with it.
Examples
“Panic attacks were daunting to her. They seemed to occur without rhyme or reason.”
“He found panic attacks daunting, but they didn’t stop him from facing his fears.”
How it Adds Description
“Daunting” shows that panic attacks make your characters feel fearful. This adjective indicates that the character has suffered from them before and knows how awful they feel. This can foreshadow future panic attacks caused by major plot points — ideal if you’re writing a horror or suspense novel.
9. Overwhelming
Definition
Something that affects someone strongly, and they don’t know how to manage it.
Examples
“The overwhelming panic attack sent her into a frenzy. She couldn’t think straight or stand up.”
“As soon as the exam started, so did an overwhelming panic attack. He had to leave the exam hall at once.”
How it Adds Description
“Overwhelming” shows how a character can’t manage their panic attack due to its intense effects. If a character describes their attack as “overwhelming,” it can hint they have no prior experience with panic attacks. Alternatively, it could signal they’ve been triggered by a deep fear, and thus the attack is larger.
10. Unforgettable
Definition
Something that is extremely unpleasant and remembered for a long time after.
Examples
“She shuddered at the memory of the unforgettable panic attack.”
“Sadly, his last unforgettable panic attack occurred in class, and now the other kids laughed at him.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to know that a panic attack was so bad that characters always remember it, use the adjective “unforgettable.” This shows that the panic attack in question is a significant experience for the sufferer and any nearby characters.