Panic Attacks FAQ
Panic Attacks FAQ
Many people have the same questions when looking for panic attacks help. Here’s my answers to some of the more common questions.
Note: If you haven’t done so already, it is a good idea to take a look at this course:
How to get panic attacks help
Q: Am I going crazy?
Many panic attack sufferers wonder if they’re going crazy, especially after their first few panic episodes. Well, you’re not. A panic attack is a normal bodily response that’s just fired off inappropriately. Usually it’s associated with high stress and sometimes hormonal changes. Recognizing panic attacks for what they are is the first step along the road to controlling them
Q: Are prescription drugs the only way to get rid of panic attacks?
Although there is sometimes a need for drugs in very severe cases, they are not an ideal long term solution. Panic attacks can be both controlled and eliminated by correctly using more natural methods such as relaxation techniques, de conditioning exercises and the simple technique known as the One Move Technique taught by Joe Barry (this is what worked for me)
Q: Why did I suddenly start having panic attacks?
There can be several underlying reasons, but the most common is simply high general levels of stress. Your stress level reaches a ‘trip point’ and the panic attack starts. Once it starts it feeds on itself as your fear over what’s happening to you rises. Your brain gets stuck in a loop and without any coping mechanisms to handle the situation you spiral deeper into panic mode.
Q: How can I stop panic attacks?
The simple answer is you need to relax and lower your anxiety levels. Of course that’s much easier said than done. Conventional wisdom says you should try things like: deep breathing, focusing on breathing out more than in, thinking relaxing thoughts or visualizing a relaxing peaceful scene, tensing and then relaxing major muscle groups.
Well maybe that works for some people but when I was in the middle of one of my attacks and the adrenaline was pumping through my body – none of that worked. It wasn’t until I learned the techniques in this ebook and audio course that I found something that worked for me.
Q: Can a panic attack cause a heart attack or stroke?
Although it may feel like it’s about to explode out of your chest, your heart is designed to react in the way it does during a panic attack. It’s the fight or flight response and your heart is doing all it can to get as much blood out to your muscles as possible. Unless you have a heart condition there should be no danger to your heart. Of course if you do have a heart condition you should consult with your doctor.
Q: What is a panic attack?
Panic attacks are usually a result of extremely heightened anxiety. Anyone can experience a panic attack but for those not suffering from an anxiety disorder, a panic attack is only likely to happen if triggered by an anxiety-provoking event.
Panic attacks can happen very suddenly and have no obvious triggers but they come from our evolutionary response to danger. Having a panic attack is one of the most intensely frightening, upsetting and uncomfortable experiences in a person’s life. The American Psychological Association says the symptoms of a panic attack generally last for about 30 minutes, although the attack itself may only be 15 seconds long. Some panic attacks can last for much longer, even hours.
Panic attacks are sometimes associated with agoraphobia – fear of open spaces, claustrophobia – fear of being closed in, as well as the fear of being unable to escape from a dangerous situation. A common experience of panic attack victims is that they felt trapped.
Q: What causes panic attacks?
Anxiety and panic, to a certain extent, are a necessary part of our survival. But when levels become too high we become fearful of them.
A massive surge of nervous signals to the brain warns us of imminent danger. The Amygdala, a part of the brain that controls our anxious response, is activated.
When the brain is given the signal we produce Adrenaline (epinephrine) which is released by the Adrenal Glands. Adrenaline is often referred to as the “fight or flight” hormone. A surge of adrenaline into your system raises your heart rate, makes you sweat, churns your stomach and provokes irregular breathing – all characteristics of a panic attack.
If there is no real danger and your system is flush with Adrenaline, that hormone will not be used up for running away or fighting and the build up can cause a panic attack.
Q: How can I handle a panic attack if I have one?
Well I can only advise you on what worked for me. Click Here to read more about it
If you want to learn more general information about panic attacks you can read the entry on wikkipedia
