Coping with Panic Attacks

What are Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are sudden bouts of high anxiety which can leave the sufferer debilitated and unable to control their body or the thoughts in their mind. These attacks can be triggered by almost anything from the smallest event to the largest problem. Attributed to stress and lifestyle these attacks can come on suddenly and without warning.

What are the Symptoms of a Panic Attack?

There are many different symptoms that go with a panic attack and those individuals who suffer from them can experience them in a variety of different combinations. These are the most common symptoms of a panic attack:

• Increased heart rate
• Sweats – hot or cold
• Shortness of breath
• Inability to cope with surroundings
• Gagging reflexes
• Nausea
• Chest pain

As mentioned above any of the aforementioned symptoms can manifest themselves during or prior to a panic attack and most sufferers can identify the signs before the attack begins; sometimes however the realisation that a panic attack is about to take place can make the attack worse because they cannot control it.

This fear of losing control is what drives a panic attack on and can make the sufferer all the more anxious.

Stress

Stress is one of the most common contributing factors to the onslaught of a panic attack. A sufferer may never have had a panic attack previously and this can make the attack all the more frightening for them. Many individuals in highly stressful jobs or who spend time in highly stressful environments are prone to panic attacks as too are individuals who suffer from medical or emotional conditions that render them anxious.

One of the most commonly proffered pieces of advice relating to stress is to try and free yourself of the stress. If your lifestyle is such that stress is rife then it is a good idea to take a step back and look at your lifestyle with a view to making changes.

Indeed many individuals suffer panic attacks as a result of stress brought about by money worries. These worries are then compounded by the fact they are not discussing their worries with other relevant parties such as their husband or wife. It is important to discuss any issues which may worry you in order to try and relieve stress where possible.

The Stress of Illness

Many people worry about being unwell especially if they have previously been in good health. With a condition such as Fibromyalgia which can manifest itself as a chronic illness stress levels are bound to increase. It is important therefore to discuss with your partner – or doctor if you do not feel you can discuss your concerns with your partner – as to the nature of your condition and what can be done to help alleviate the problems.

Many individuals carry the burden of illness without telling those around them. This is something that can compound stress thus making the illness worse. This is what is known as the Vicious Stress Cycle.

Treatment for Panic Attacks

Treatment for panic attacks normally takes the form of a consultation with your doctor initially. He or she may not prescribe medication for you to begin with and you should not be surprised or worried by this. Your doctor will try to establish – with your help – the root cause of the problem and may refer you to a therapist for further evaluation before prescribing any medication. In the event that your doctor prescribes medication it may well be in the form of a mild anti-depressant.