Panic Attacks / Disorder:

It is a sudden, intense episode of horrible fear. It is often triggered because of many distinct reasons. Most individuals experience severe physical reactions to panic disorders. A panic disorder can cripple an individual to the point that they cannot function and even perform simple, everyday life skills. During an episode, several individuals believe they are truly dying when they have a panic attack.

Although most panic attacks only last a few minutes up to 30 minutes, some last a little longer. Once an individual is back in control, they often feel relieved but exhausted. Panic attacks/disorders go hand-in -hand with anxiety attacks, except symptoms are stronger. Most individuals who have anxiety often start with anxiety attacks that build up over time into full-blown panic attacks.

Symptoms of panic attacks /disorder:

There are many symptoms associated with panic attack such as the following listed below:

-Tachycardic, etc., rapid heartbeats/heart palpitations

-Hyperventilate or have shortness of breath

-Headaches

-Dizziness

-Difficulty breathing

-Nausea

-Sweating

-Hot flashes

– Cold / Chills

-Some individual’s vomit

-Trembling/Shaking

-Tingling/numbness in their fingers, feet, face, arms, legs, and even their lips.

There are a lot of panic attacks often mistaken for heart attacks due to the ongoing chest pain symptoms. Unfortunately, many individuals believe that during a panic attack, they are experiencing a full-blown heart attack, and they are truly dying. Panic attacks can also be caused by an individual worrying about health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, etc. When left untreated, panic attacks can lead to the most serious health problems for an individual.

Reasons for panic attacks /disorder:

Research has shown there are no underlying causes for panic disorders/attacks. There are several different things in an individual’s life that may trigger a panic attack.

-Genetics can play a part in this illness

-Stress- worrying about anything can bring on an attack. Work, family, friends, health concerns, or just being sensitive to stress can trigger a panic attack.

-Being prone to negative emotions/feelings.

-Worrying about bills or health concerns.

-Having a sudden change in your brain functions. {Stroke, trauma, or illness that affect certain parts of the brain.

Yes, most panic attacks come suddenly, they create an unnecessary feeling of fear, and sometimes provoke strong physical reactions, usually to everyday life stressors that are non-threatening to an individual. It is important to remember that panic attacks are always treatable. If you are not on any medications to help with panic attacks, then you should be if you cannot get control over them on your own.

Ways to help:

1. Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. They will increase and make panic attacks worse.

2. Exercise daily on a regular schedule.

3. Eat a healthy diet.

4. Do not use illegal drugs.

5. Learn to avoid places, people, and things that trigger panic attacks.

6. Learn to manage your stressors in healthy ways.

7. Practice deep breathing exercises.

8. Stay focused on the present.

*You can also refer to my article on anxiety to see other ways to help with panic attacks.

*The most important thing to remember is never to be afraid to reach out for support when panic attack symptoms start! It is never too late to get help, and the sooner, the better!

References:

1. National Institute of Mental Health. Panic Disorder.https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/panic-disorder

2. American Psychological Association. Panic Disorder: Answers to your most important questions. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/panic-disorder

3. Cleveland Clinic. Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4451-panic-attack-panic-disorder

4. PsychCenter. All about Panic Disorder. https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/panic-disorder-overview#whats-panic-disorder

5. National Institute of Mental Health. Suicide Prevention.https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention

6.Mayo Clinic.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases