One description of a panic attack is to compare it to a comprehensive
emotional nightmare. Some people experience a panic attack and
feel like they are in an escalating cycle of
catastrophe and doom and that something bad is going to happen to
them "right now this very moment."
Others feel as if they are having a heart attack as their heart races.
The heart palpitations convince them that they are about to have an attack.
Some folks feel that they are going to "lose control" of themselves and
will do something embarrassing in front of other people.
Suffers breathe so quickly, gasping for air, that they hyper-ventilate and feel
like they will suffocate from lack of oxygen.
Common symptoms of panic include:
Dizziness and light headedness
Racing or pounding heartbeat
Tingling in the hands, feet, legs, arms
A feeling that "I can't catch my breath"
Chest pains or a "heaviness" in the chest
Flushes or chills
Fear of dying
Jumpiness, trembling, twitching muscles
Sweaty palms, flushed face
Terror
Fear of losing control
Fear of a stroke that will lead to disability
Fear of going crazy
A panic attack typically lasts several minutes and is one of the most
distressing conditions a person can experience. In some cases, panic
attacks have been known to last for longer periods of time or to recur
very quickly over and over again.
The aftermath of a panic attack is very painful. Feelings of depression and helplessness are usually experienced. The greatest fear is that the panic
attack will come back again and again, making life too miserable to bear.
Panic is not necessarily brought on by a recognizable circumstance,
and it may remain a mystery to the person involved. These attacks
come "out of the blue". At other times, excessive stress or other
negative life conditions can trigger an attack.
Sadly, many people do not seek help for panic attacks, agoraphobia, and anxiety-related difficulties. This is especially tragic because panic and other anxiety disorders are treatable conditions that respond well to relatively
short-term therapy. The National Institutes of Mental Health is currently
conducting a nationwide campaign to educate the general public and health care practitioners that panic and the other anxiety
disorders are some of the most successfully treated psychological problems.
Clinical research provides us with a solid blueprint of cognitive, emotional and behavioral methods that can help us overcome anxiety disorders,such as panic
and/or agoraphobia.
Today, panic attacks and agoraphobia can be treated successfully in the
vast majority of cases. Our website provides get information and
various therapies that can be accessed online.
One method of treatment called "how to" therapy. That is, the focus
is on "how to" eliminate the thoughts and feelings that lead to the
vicious cycle of panic and anxiety.
When a person with panic is motivated to practice and try new techniques,
that person is literally changing the way their brain responds.
When you change the way your brain responds, anxiety and panic will
continue to shrink and shrink and cease to cause you problems.
Please visit our website, get the information and help you need.
