At some point in your life, you could have felt one or all of these frightening symptoms: shortness of breath, light-headedness, and heart palpitations louder than an African drumbeat. It is all too human and natural to feel scared, especially during life-threatening scenarios. But there is a fine line between just being plain scared and nervous, and being psychologically and emotionally unstable.

Even with all the advances in science and technology, human beings have yet to overcome one of the most prevalent social and psychological problems of our time --- anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses reported in the United States today. Its causes are often linked to work-related stress and domestic issues. It is, however, important to note that anxiety disorder afflicts not only full-grown adults but children as well. From toddlers experiencing separation anxiety to children who face what teachers call test anxiety --- a lot of young people today are faced with severe emotional and psychological strain that deserves much needed attention by government and the community at large.

Many don't recognize this silent epidemic. A parent who sets off for work every morning hardly notices the grip of anxiety over a child who is taken to a day care center or left to be cared after by a paid caregiver. Like old newspaper, we easily brush off the issues of anxiety as if it would be forgotten like yesterday's news.

But left unchecked, prolonged mental disturbances such as phobias, hypertension, post-traumatic stress syndrome and even obsessive-compulsive behaviors can prove to be fatal.

Scientists and behavior experts cite the following as the leading causes of anxiety attacks:

1.Chemical imbalance- The serotonin and dopamine are two primary neurotransmitters. Any imbalance in these chemicals can trigger an anxiety attack and leave a person feeling sad or depressed.

2.Flight Mechanism -When we sense danger, the body prepares itself to run away.

3.Genetic- Anxiety disorders can also be inherited . It may run in your family. Passing it on from one generation to the next.

Severe mental or emotional disturbances shouldn't be ignored. When you feel discomfort and a sense of unease than is more than the usual, you may already be experiencing symptoms of an anxiety attack.

To accurately determine if you are having an anxiety attack or may already have an anxiety disorder, look for the presence of the following symptoms:

lPounding Heart

lShortness of Breath

lFeeling Faint

lFear

lShaking

lTrembling

lHot flashes

The good news is that help is readily available. By browsing the Internet including the thousands of forums and chatrooms about anxiety disorder, you will be able to find information and tips on how to help for you and other people with anxiety disorders.

For starters, you may want to consider these suggestions to get you on your way to beat the blues. The following are some of the simple coping strategies you can use to control anxiety:

1.Eat regularly

2.Breathe Deeply

3.Eliminate Stimulants

4.Learn Creative Visualization Techniques

You can also buy books, videos and tapes which can assist provide more suggestions on how to cope with nervousness and stress. If your panic attacks are so disruptive, perhaps it is better to seek medical help. Panic attacks can also be caused by other health problems and deep emotional wounds. It is also recommended for you to join a support group or engage in fun activities with your family and friends to speed things up. However, make sure to contact your doctor or health care provider to determine the best and most appropriate treatment for you.