What is a Panic Attack

A panic attack is a nightmare. Anyone, anywhere can have a panic attack and once you have one you are at risk of having another one and you could get into a vicious cycle where you have panic attacks because you are concerned about having panic attacks.

There are a number of symptoms associated with panic attacks. These include feeling that you are having a heart attack or a stroke. You may feel as if you are unable to catch your breath or that you chest is constricted. You might feel as if you are having an out of body experience where you are disassociated with your body, as if you are watching yourself from outside. You may get overheated and feel as if your limbs are not moving correctly and will not cooperate with the signals being sent by your brain. Often you will be overcome with a sudden and intense feeling that you are going to die. As stated above panic attacks are a nightmare.

With all of that said if what you are having is a panic attack you are not going to die. In fact there will be no long term medical risks or side effects from a panic attack. You may be embarrassed and you may be scared but you will not die. However you will want to do everything that you can to try and prevent another panic attack as they are awful and can severely compromise your life. Some people who have a history of panic attacks do not like to leave their homes, or travel or engage in social activities as they are always fearful that they will have another panic attack. Others will just decide to ignore them and keep going never really addressing the underlying issues that are causing them to have panic attacks.

One of the things that surprise people about panic attacks is that they can often occur AFTER a very stressful event. You make it through the crisis. You have maintained your composure and been strong in the face of a disaster and then once it is all over BAM panic attack. During the crisis you have a place and a way to release all the adrenaline that is running through your system and what happens is that when you finally relax and sit down you no longer have a way to burn off your excess adrenaline it but your body is continuing to produce extra amounts so your heart beats quickly, your breathing quickens, you begin to sweat and the next thing you know is that you are the one in crisis and are dying. it is horrible.

There are a number of steps you can take that can help you feel more in control of your panic attacks and manage them to the point where you may never have one again or if one starts you can identify the feelings and stop it before it becomes full blown. One is talk to your doctor. Do not be embarrassed. You would be amazed at the number of people who have experienced panic attacks. We all live in a post 9/11 world and are constantly on the go worrying about the economy, and the planet, and the car pool line and the job. It is non-stop. So do not be embarrassed. Once you talk to your doctor he or she may decided to give you some anti-anxiety medication. It may be something you take every day or on an as needed basis. Sometimes just having a prescription will be all that you need. You can also join a support group to talk to others about what they do to prevent panic attacks. For some people food is a trigger. You may need to stay away from stimulants like chocolate and caffeine. Some women are more prone to attacks depending on where they are in the menstrual cycle. Tracking this can help. Also it is important to get enough rest and to remember that you cannot control everything. Meditation, especially yoga has been shown to help people prevent panic attacks. I think it is the act of being present and lowering your heart rate and calming your mind.

The most important thing to do is to be honest. If you are not comfortable telling your doctor tell someone you trust. Also do not be embarrassed. If you are willing to admit that you had or have panic attacks you will be amazed at how many people will share with you that they too have had one. In fact I have had some of the biggest laughs in my life with fellow sufferers. I do not have to explain the phenomenon to them, they get it and they have stories as crazy as mine about going to hospitals, freaking out their spouse, having to talk themselves down in the bathroom at work. In fact learning to laugh about your panic attacks may be one of the best things you can do because it takes away the panics power.