Anyone who has suffered a panic attack will tell you that it is not a very enjoyable experience at all to say the least. In fact unless you have had one yourself it is quite difficult for someone to explain what effects they are experiencing to somebody who has never suffered one. In an attempt to clarify what it is like to suffer a panic attack, the chances are that you feel like the world is closing in on you when the panic attack strikes.
Some people experience these attacks infrequently, while others deal with them almost on a daily basis. Regardless of how frequently they occur, they are very disconcerting when they do attack. That is why it is so important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Invariably, panic attacks when they strike appear in the form of extreme anxiety. You become fearful, nervy and feel very unwell and uncomfortable. Panic attack symptoms are many and varied — with these symptoms depending on both your physiology and mindset.
While you are having a panic attack, your body releases adrenaline because you mistakenly believe that you are going to be harmed in some way. In all probability you feel very scared and upset. Sadly, panic attacks are not time limited. For example, they can be over very quickly or they can be quite prolonged.
During a panic attack, sufferers mistakenly think they should get themselves off to hospital. That’s because it can feel like you are experiencing a heart attack or other form of health problem. Although of no consolation at the time of your panic attack, the better news is that a panic attack cannot truly hurt you. The downside is obviously that you feel like your body is under attack and you are in danger.
There is no single reason why panic attacks happen. Occasionally it is passed along within families - hereditary. If somebody else in your family suffers panic attacks, the chances of you getting them increase. There are also illnesses that can cause the instance of panic attacks to increase in certain groups of people. An example of this is post traumatic stress disorder. Even hyperthyroidism can cause panic attacks!
As well as these biological reasons, panic attacks can come about as a consequence of things that have happened to you in the past. Possibly some unpleasant experience scared you from years ago, and as a result made you apprehensive in certain situations.
Panic attacks can also occur as a side effect of certain medications. Ritalin is one drug that can lead to panic attacks in some people. The SSRI group of antidepressants have been known to increase anxiety.
Finding out what may be causing your panic attacks is one of the first steps you should take in coming to terms with how to cope with them. There are no two ways about it - panic attacks can be devastating and interfere with almost every aspect of your normal, everyday life. You can get the better of this illness. Help is available from many sources.
One of the most important things to remember is that you are not alone and there are ways in which you can cure your panic attack problems. By taking action today, you can start to lead a normal life again.
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