Have you experienced times of extreme panic and anxiety? Have you experienced physical problems caused by your fear, that make your life more difficult? Are you hesitant to lead a normal life due to the fact you cannot predict when the next feeling of panic and anxiety will arise?
Do any of these questions describe you? If the answer is yes, you may be suffering from panic attacks or panic disorder. Read on to discover more about the unpleasant conditions and how to cope with the symptons'.
What is a Panic Attack?
Panic Attacks usually come on without any prior warning. One minute you are going about your life as usual, maybe driving in your car or shopping for groceries, and the next minute you are hit with an overwhelming sense of panic and anxiety.
It's no surprise to learn that panic attack sufferers call them the worst moments of their lives. The attacks are characterized by a feeling of panic and an overwhelming sense of dread and anxiety, as well as many other symptoms including the following:
- Nausea or faint
- Shaking, sweating, and feeling chilled or hot
- Choking sensations and shortness of breath
- Chest pain or a pounding heart
- Strong desire to get away from the situation
- Feeling certain that death or danger is going to happen right now
Panic Attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, but most have a duration of about 30 minutes.
What is Panic Disorder?
Sufferers of panic disorders typically experience numerous panic attacks within a set time frame. These attacks are not predicted and are severe leaving the sufferer wondering when to expect the next attack. Between attacks the sufferer is in a constant state of worry.
Panic disorder is much more common in women than in men. It is very disruptive to the victims' daily life and usually develops in early adulthood.
Overcoming Panic and Anxiety
Overcoming the panic and anxiety is the initial step toward living a normal life with panic attacks and panic disorder. There are a number of treatments available for victims to use in order to help them cope with this serious condition:
- Therapy has been shown to help many individuals. One of the most effective therapy methods for dealing with panic attacks is cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Anti-anxiety medications and anti-depressants have also been shown to be of benefit for some sufferers of panic and anxiety attacks.
- Meditation and healing mantras have been effective in diffusing a panic attack once it starts. Deep breathing has also been shown to help.
- Support from loved ones has also been instrumental in relieving the symptoms of panic attacks for many people.
You Are Not Alone
Thousands of people suffer from panic and anxiety. Realizing you are not alone is an important step towards coping with panic disorders. Talk about your feeling with friends, family, and health care providers.
Many sufferers who experience panic attacks feel that they are viewed as hypochondriacs and are reluctant to share their experiences. However, it is really important to talk about your feelings and seek help and support from those around you.
Diane Mason is a 37 year old married mother of 2 daughters and resides in Brisbane, Australia. For most of her adult life she has experienced panic attacks that at times controlled her life. Read her amazing story about how she cured her panic attacks and is now living her life free from the fear of another attack.
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