Panic attacks are associated with intense and sudden feelings of fear, anxiety and overwhelm. This happens due to the quick and sudden release of adrenaline into our body. The release of adrenaline helps the body respond and prepare to face dangerous situations. Even though this is in essence a survival mechanism, it can be negative if this response happens too frequently and unnecessarily.

Panic attacks are not caused by specific external triggers. A person with panic attacks may be doing something that he or she usually does, like going to the bank, cycling or taking an elevator and suddenly get hit by a panic attack. It just seems to come out of nowhere.

The mind will start to believe that the worst things possible will happen regardless of how unlikely it is. Images of the plane crashing, the elevator failing or other crazy situations will fill the mind. Feelings of paranoia and suspicion will also take over.

There are no specific external triggers for panic attacks. Panic attacks can come over someone no matter when and where. There are no actual ways to completely avoid it. This is why people who are suffering from panic attacks are greatly affected by it and find it difficult to live their daily lives.

To deal with a panic attack, the most effective method is to face it head on. Don't resist and fight against the panic attack. Rather, try to face it with courage, accept it and allow it to run through it's course. Here are the reasons why doing this is a good method.

The first reason is because fear feeds on fear. The more fear you show and let out, the stronger the panic attack becomes. What happens when you are resisting or avoiding a panic attack? You are showing fear and giving the panic attack more energy. Thus the panic attack will be even more intense and last longer.

When you resist something, it will usually only make things worse. Take the example a roller coaster ride. If you go along with the movement of the roller coaster, it will feel exhilarating. That is why people love to lift up their hands when the roller coaster dives downwards sharply. However, when you try to resist and go against the roller coaster, you will feel even more frightened and tense.

The second reason is because whenever you avoid or resist panic attacks, you are just continuously running away from it. Because of this you will never be able to experience and realize that there is actually no danger or harm in the situation.

Coming through a panic attack unharmed, unscathed and totally safe will change your feelings and perceptions towards panic attacks. The experience will give you the realization that the panic attacks you experienced are just the result of your illusions of danger. That is what it is, just illusions. You will know that there isn't any real danger. By having this experience and understanding, you will be able to face future panic attacks with more courage and confidence. That will be the start of the road to recovery.