Characteristics of Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Have you been experiencing extreme periods of panic and anxiety? Has your fear caused physical problems that make your life more difficult? Are you unable to lead a normal life because you cannot predict when the next episode of panic and anxiety will strike?
Should any of these questions describe how you feel, you may be suffering from panic attacks or panic disorder. Read on to learn more about these worrying conditions and how to handle the unpleasant symptoms.
What is a Panic Attack?
Panic Attacks usually hit without any prior warning. You are going about your daily life one minute, perhaps driving your car or grocery shopping and then the next minute an overwhelming sense of panic and anxiety attacks without warning.
It’s no surprise to learn that panic attack sufferers call them the worst moments of their lives. The attacks are characterized by a feeling of panic and an overwhelming sense of dread and anxiety, as well as many other symptoms including the following:
- Faint or dizziness
- Quivering, sweating, and feeling chilled or extremely hot
- Tightning of the throat and shortness of breath
- Chest pain or a pounding heart
- Strong desire to get away from the situation
- Feeling certain that death or danger is going to happen right now
Panic attacks can go from a few minutes to several hours. Usually most of the attacks last for approx 30 minutes.
What is Panic Disorder?
Those who suffer from panic disorder typically experience several panic attacks within a set period of time. These attacks are unpredictable and severe and leave the victim wondering when the next panic attack will occur. There is sometimes a constant sense of worry between attacks.
Panic disorder is much more common in women than in men. It usually develops sometime in early adulthood and results in disruption of the sufferer’s daily life.
Defeating Panic and Anxiety
Moving past the panic and anxiety is the first step towards living normally with panic attacks and panic disorder. Several treatments are available to assist sufferers cope with this debilitating condition:
- One of the most effective therapy methods used for dealing with panic attacks is cognitive behavioral therapy. Many sufferers, it has been shown, have been helped by this method.
- Anti-anxiety medications and anti-depressants have also been shown to be of benefit for some sufferers of panic and anxiety attacks.
- Meditation and healing mantras have been effective in warding off a panic attack once it begins. Deep breathing has also been shown to diffuse the situation.
- Support from loved ones has also been instrumental in relieving the symptoms of panic attacks for many people.
You Are Definitely Not Alone
The number of people who suffer from panic and anxiety can be put into the thousands. Knowing that you are not alone but one of the numbers of sufferers is an important step closer to being able to cope with panic disorders. Discuss your feelings with friends, family and your local Doctor.
Many people who experience panic attacks feel that they are being hypochondriacs and are hesitant to share their experiences. However, it’s extremely important to talk about your experiences and get help and support from those who love you.