Stress to the Extreme: Panic Attacks
It's Monday morning. An important appointment awaits you. Where are your keys? Coffee spills on your shirt as you rush to find them. Something smells like smoke. The clock ticks on. For many of us, this situation illustrates that staggering stress that leads to feeling "panicky". It's important to distinguish this from a real "panic attack." During a panic attack, your body's symptoms take over. Your heart may race, you may break out in sweating, and you may even have thoughts that you're about to have a heart attack or die. You suddenly feel highly vulnerable. You are frozen in fear, and thoughts about not getting through it crowd your mind.
If you think having a panic attack means that you're going to develop a panic disorder, stop panicking! If panic is at the root of your problems because of its mysterious and frequent onset, then it's a matter of serious concern and time to seek help. The intense stress of this condition affects between 3 and 6 million Americans. Did you know that panic disorder is twice as common for women than for men? That it emerges in the very young and the very old? And that it often begins in the teen years?
Oftentimes, panic disorder accompanies conditions such as depression or substance abuse. Sometimes panic attacks create phobias. If panic attacks you while you're in a swimming pool, you may become fearful of water or hydrophobic. Or if panic attacks while you're crossing the street you may begin to avoid crossing streets altogether. These panic-induced phobias can really isolate a person. Nearly 70% of panic disorder sufferers develop agoraphobia or the fear of open places. Panic attacks may result from a stressful circumstance, and happen most when you least expect it.
What To Do When Panic Strikes
Keep in mind, what you read will provide you with general information on Panic Attacks. It is not intended as personal medical advice; only your personal health care professional can give you that!
- A panic attack may involve a few or all of these symptoms:
- Fear of losing control, touch with reality, fear of loss especially death
- Sudden sweating or goose bumps
- Trembling or shaking
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness, faintness, dizziness
- Pounding heartbeat, chest pains
- Difficulty breathing, feeling suffocated
- Numbness or tingling
If you experience a few or all of these symptoms, it is critical to assess your situation before coming to any conclusion.
Remember the following only provides you with general guidelines about what to do when panic strikes. It is not intended as personal medical advice. If you have any doubt about what it is you're feeling don't delay, contact 9-1-1 or your personal medical professional.
For immediate treatment take time to ask yourself:
1) "What's going on?"
"What can I do right now to control this?"
Try taking a few deep breaths. Does it help?
As you take a few deep breaths and it feels like the panic is subsiding, reassure yourself, "This will pass."
2) If you try to take a deep breath and your efforts fail, you may be experiencing a state of emergency. The feeling of crushing chest pains isn't characteristic of panic attacks. Get help immediately.
In any case, if you aren't sure about what's happening to you, do not risk waiting! Don't forget that what you have read is general information. It may be your heart and not panic that is attacking you. Get help immediately! If necessary, get the attention of those around you to ask for help. Call 9-1-1. Remember what your mother always says: "It's better to be safe than sorry."
Treatment for the Long Run
Proper treatment for panic disorder chiefly involves a type of psychotherapy known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medications, or a combination of both. Within 6-8 weeks of treatment, improvements are often quite considerable.
In cognitive-behavioral therapy patients learn how to look at panic situations differently and reduce anxiety by refocusing attention or controlling their breathing. Prescription medications such as antidepressants and bensodiazepines have proven to be safe and effective. These treatments can help relieve you from panic attacks or help you diminish their frequency and severity. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 70-90% of panic disorder sufferers recover.