Have You or Someone You Know
Experienced Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are episodes of acute anxiety, fear or terror whose onset is usually immediate or sudden. There are many frightening physical happenings that take place. These episodes are an immediate response to a perceived threat.

Sufferers of these attacks cannot predict when the next one will strike. This in itself causes a lot of anxiety. They can happen at any time, even during sleep. Some people even avoid places and situations that they think might cause an attack. They become a prisoner of their fear.

There are a number of manifestations. The attack often starts off with a feeling of unwarranted fear. The heart starts to palpitate to the point of being able to hear one’s heartbeat. It escalates as if the heart is beating out your chest.

The attack peaks about 10 minutes after the first feeling of anxiety. This will include many of the following sensations:
· Sweating
· Trembling or shaking
· Shortness of breath or feeling smothered
· Feeling of choking
· Chest pain or discomfort in the chest
· Nausea or abdominal distress
· Dizziness or lightheadedness
· Feeling of unreality or out of body
· Feeling of losing control or going crazy
· Fear of dying
· Numbness or tingling sensation, particularly in the arms and legs
· Chills or hot flashes
· Feeling of imminent danger
· Feeling of impending doom and an urge to escape

The bodily process that takes place is distinct even though there are different causes. This is the pattern: You are under a lot of stress. Your body and mind is bombarded with anxiety-inducing situations. This signals danger or fear and the “fight or flight” mechanism is set in motion. This causes your body to be flooded with the hormone corticosteroid. This powerful hormone starts your heart palpitating, shuts down digestion, increases breathing and tightens muscles.

You might be asking - Why do people develop panic attacks? One of the main reasons is genetics. If you have (or had) a family member who suffered from panic disorder, you have a much higher chance of becoming a victim. Women are twice as likely as men to develop the disorder.

Other medical conditions can actually cause the condition. Mitral valve prolapse and hypoglycemia are two conditions that have the same symptoms as panic attacks. Someone who has either of these conditions may experience racing heart, palpitations, sweating and shaking. These physical sensations can actually cause a full-blown attack.

Physical stimuli such as sugar and caffeine can trigger an attack. I had an experience of going on a work trip with some coworkers. One of my coworkers bought big donuts and big coffees for everyone. I knew I would be in trouble but I drank the coffee and ate the donut to be nice. Sure enough, a few hours later I went through a panic attack in front of all my coworkers. So much for being nice!

If you are experiencing panic attacks, you and your doctor can come up with a treatment plan. The condition is highly treatable. Your doctor may suggest medication – antidepressant or anti-anxiety – and/or therapy. The most effective therapy, as with any anxiety disorder, is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Relaxation is paramount to overcoming the fear and distress. There are many relaxation techniques that will benefit. Listening to relaxing music, meditation techniques, breathing exercises, visualizing, doing yoga or getting a massage are all great! Many holistic and natural therapies such as reiki, EFT, acupuncture and herbal remedies are wonderful.

If you or someone you are with is having a panic attack, there are things to do to ease the trauma. Firstly, get yourself or the person you are with to a safe place out of the sight of other people. Focus on breathing and try to get it under control. If you are with someone, hold their hand or put your arm around them for reassurance. Keep in mind that the attack will end soon and use imagery for relaxation.

I believe and it is written that the onset of panic attacks happens during a period of high stress. Mine started while going to college and working both full time. I was also having family troubles and work troubles. I haven’t had one in many years but sometimes I feel as if one might be coming on.

I think there were many things that helped me overcome my panic attacks. Meditation, exercise, an antidepressant, therapy and having the amalgam fillings removed from my teeth all helped. There are probably many things that will help you or someone you know. I truly hope this information helps in the healing process.

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