Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by the sudden onset of extremely intense fear, worry, or panic. These attacks can pop up after a stressful situation, but often they can also just come up completely out of the blue, and they usually last for a few minutes.
These episodes can be so distressing that when sufferers have these attacks, it frightens them so much that most of the time they mistake it for a life-threatening condition, and insist that a family member take them to the hospital.
Panic attacks can occur alongside Generalized Anxiety Disorder or you can have Panic Disorder on its own. These attacks are extremely intense. They feel as though you are having a heart attack but always remember - a panic attack can do you do harm or lasting damage to you or your heart.
What causes panic attacks?
It is very difficult to pin point that exact cause of panic attacks because they usually come about when the person is triggered by something that sparks up an intense feeling inside of them. However, again as with all types of anxiety, attacks can come about for no apparent reason.
These episodes can be so distressing that when sufferers have these attacks, it frightens them so much that most of the time they mistake it for a life-threatening condition, and insist that a family member take them to the hospital.
Panic attacks can occur alongside Generalized Anxiety Disorder or you can have Panic Disorder on its own. These attacks are extremely intense. They feel as though you are having a heart attack but always remember - a panic attack can do you do harm or lasting damage to you or your heart.
What causes panic attacks?
It is very difficult to pin point that exact cause of panic attacks because they usually come about when the person is triggered by something that sparks up an intense feeling inside of them. However, again as with all types of anxiety, attacks can come about for no apparent reason.
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What are the symptoms of panic attacks?
Symptoms of panic attacks can include but are not limited to:
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How to handle a panic attack
Handling panic attacks is not easy, but there are a few things that have helped me.
These include:
- 4-4-4-4 breath - This breath specifically helps to prevent hyperventilation because you will be holding your breath in between each inhale and exhale. Start by inhaling for 4 counts, holding your breath for 4 counts, then exhale for 4 counts, and then hold again for 4 counts and repeat the cycle until you feel calmer.
- Grounding technique - A great grounding technique to alleviate the onset of a panic attack is to look around at your surrounding and start using your senses to count a few things that you can see, smell, hear, taste and feel
- Panic attack meditation - Guided meditations especially formulated for anxiety and panic attacks are great because the person is talking you through it.
I have two videos specifically designed for panic attacks.
Listen to them here:
Listen to them here:
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Getting diagnosed with panic disorder
This needs to be done through a reputable therapist, and you can discuss with him or her, your preferred course of treatment whether this be naturally or with the help of medication. They will also be able to teach you some coping skills.
This needs to be done through a reputable therapist, and you can discuss with him or her, your preferred course of treatment whether this be naturally or with the help of medication. They will also be able to teach you some coping skills.