You are late for an appointment, your child is crying, and you when you reach into your pocket, your house key isn’t there! You glance at your watch and see that it’s three o’clock and you forgot to pick up your child from school!

Everyone has those moments when we are overcome with a quick stab of anxiety, usually caused by something situational. When that anxiety hits quickly, one may feel a surge of adrenaline, which increases the heart rate, speeds breathing, and may even cause dizziness or a sense of nausea. As quickly as these annoying symptoms hit, they quickly dissipate within a few seconds.

Now imagine all of those symptoms times ten - lasting anywhere from fifteen minutes to a couple of hours without any apparent cause. That is what many people suffer when they experience a panic attack.

 

Panic attacks are incredibly frightening for those who experience them, especially for the first time. Because of the racing heart, breathing troubles, and tightness in the chest, people often mistake a panic attack for a heart attack. Others describe it as a sense of “going crazy”, losing control, needing to escape, or even dying. After having experienced a panic attack, many people develop a deep fear of further episodes.

Along with the symptoms already listed, panic attack symptoms may include trembling, chest pain, shortness of breath, hot or cold flashes, sweating, nausea, vertigo, light-headedness, tingling sensations, sensations of choking or being smothered, and derealization. The difference between a panic attack and other panic disorders is the intensity and the sudden nature with which they arrive.

There are many causes for panic attacks. It appears to have a genetic connection, running in families. There are biological causes that may trigger an attack, like mitro valve prolapse or inner ear disturbances. Certain medications can be triggers, as can chemicals such as caffeine, nicotine, or marijuana. Those who struggle with phobias may find that exposure to a fear object or situation can trigger a panic attack. Significant losses and life changes can act as a trigger. Avoidance, negative self-talk, mistaken beliefs, withheld feelings, and lack of assertiveness are all relational and psychological causes, as well.

Although it feels like one is literally going to pieces during a panic attack, in reality the body is trying to protect itself from an perceived threat. If a dog began chasing you, your body would release adrenaline or initiate the often-called fight, flight, or freeze response. This leads to increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and sweating. With panic attacks, though, this same reaction takes place with no apparent threat. The body then initiates a vicious cycle of symptoms causing anxiety, which in turn cause excruiating symptoms.

It is not uncommon for people to experience one or two panic attacks in their lifetime. If one repeatedly has attacks, it is possible that this is a form of an anxiety disorder. The first line of treatment for panic attacks is cognitive-behavioral therapy where one will learn about panic attacks. It will likely include a lot of education on how to restructure one’s thinking to avoid attacks and relaxation techniques to practice prior to and during an attack. There is also medication available if therapy alone does not diminish the attacks.

If you think you have had a panic attack, seek help. Many who experience panic attacks feel like they should be strong enough to handle them on their own or are terrified of being misunderstood. Left untreated, the attacks can become worse, developing into a panic disorder or various phobias. Find someone you can trust who can help you take the first steps towards treatment. You need not and should not go through this alone.

Posted in Mental Health