I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way. What you’re describing sounds incredibly frightening, and I want you to know your concerns are valid.
Please take this seriously: If you feel like you’re about to die, losing mental clarity, or having physical symptoms like chest pressure, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or vision changes, please call emergency services (in the US, 911) or have someone take you to the ER immediately.
That said, the sensation of “about to die” can also happen during severe panic attacks. Panic attacks can mimic heart attacks or strokes and can cause intense fear, derealization, and a feeling of losing control or cognitive sharpness—though they don’t actually kill brain cells.
To figure out what’s happening:
· Check physical symptoms: Do you have chest pain, one-sided numbness, slurred speech, or severe headache? If yes, go to the ER.
· If not: This may still be a panic attack, but only a doctor can rule out dangerous causes.
Temporary things you can do while seeking help:
· Breathe slowly: inhale 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 6 seconds.
· Splash cold water on your face or hold an ice cube.
· Call a trusted friend or a crisis line (e.g., 988 in the US for mental health emergencies).
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Please reach out for immediate medical evaluation or mental health crisis support right now. You matter, and help is available.