Advanced Stress Management

By Sondra Millard

The onset of panic attacks can be as sudden as it is disabling. When you experience one you may feel as though you are having a heart attack or going insane. The good news is that even though the symptoms feel genuine, your body is actually fooling you in a rather horrible way. You are not truly in medical danger, and you certainly aren’t losing your mind. However, because the physical sensations feel so real, panic disorders can be misdiagnosed.

The list of panic attack symptoms is long. Some of the more common ones include a feeling of impending doom, chest pains or pressure, chills, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fear of death, feeling like you are being smothered, feeling trapped, heart palpitations, hot flashes, nausea, numbness, tingling, and twitching.

Someone having a panic attack may experience only one symptom, or several. Many of these symptoms are associated with very serious medical issues. For example, chest pains could signal a heart problem. Those in the grip of a panic attacks often interpret the physical signs as a medical emergency which only adds to their panic, escalating the problem even more.

When someone has a panic attack in public, they will often believe the location itself has caused the episode. They may avoid this location at all costs. Over time the list of safe places shrinks, and the person may develop a fear of going outside. The pattern of avoidance can also apply to activities that were taking place during an attack, such as driving or shopping. The anxiety sufferer may become trapped in their own home, or may be unable to go to certain places without a particular companion with whom they feel safe.

Those who’ve never had a panic attack may not understand how serious they are. Well-meaning people offer what they think is helpful advice. “Take a deep breath!” for example. Or they may scold the person by saying, “Oh, it’s all in your head,” or “Get over it.” Family and friends may think the sufferer is being a baby or grabbing for attention. Even though the advice and comments are intended to get the panic to stop, it isn’t that simple. If it was, nobody would have repeated panic attacks.

It can take a while for the proper diagnosis to be made. The symptoms feel so real and urgent. Other people often misunderstand or criticize the sufferer. All these things can have a devastating impact on someone who is living with the condition. But panic and anxiety don’t have to be a life sentence. Once properly diagnosed, panic disorders are treatable.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms or effects of panic attacks described above, then seek out professional help. Effective treatment options are available and may include medication, therapy, or natural alternatives. For now, just remember - there is help and there is hope.

Get real help TODAY. Discover proven ways to overcome panic and get rid of anxiety attacks. Visit http://www.eliminatepanicattacks.com to find out more and to get a free mini-course about relieving panic attacks.

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Tags: anxiety attack, panic attacks, panic disorder