Panic is when anxiety occurs, like a wave, or suddenly like a bolt. It is an overwhelming feeling of anxiety which occurs suddenly, without warning, and often for no apparent reason. This is called a panic attack. Panic attack symptoms Physical symptoms build up, usually very quickly and can include: Sweating Palpitations - your heart pounding, so much you can feel it Chest pains - tightness in the chest-panicking it might be a heart attack Feeling sick Struggling to breat