Experts do not know exactly what causes panic attacks. When our body perceives danger, it reacts by either preparing to run away or dealing with the situation. This is called the “flee or flight” response. When this happens we get a burst of energy, our heart rate increases and we breathe heavily. A panic attack occurs when this situation is triggered when there is no real danger. Many people feel helpless when it comes to panic attacks but you can be successful in stopping panic attacks.
The overwhelming symptom of a panic attack is an intense feeling of terror. Your pulse starts to race and it is hard to breathe. You might even feel as though you are having a heart attack because you may start to have chest pain. First time sufferers usually end up in the emergency room.
You can suffer a panic attack anywhere. It starts to build slowly with a feeling of impending doom and overwhelming fear. No place is safe, you can be in your car or sound asleep. You can be in the middle of a relaxed conversation when it happens.
There is evidence that panic attacks can run in the family. You could be more susceptible than others because someone in your family suffered from anxiety disorder, depression or bipolar disorder. Stopping panic attacks is possible, you do not have to continue to suffer.
Major life events and physical illness can bring on panic attacks. There are also medicines that can trigger something in your brain and cause a panic attack. After your first panic attack, you live in fear of another. Usually it happens because you are so worried about having another attack that you bring one on. Get some help in stopping panic attacks and reduce the fear.
Some other possible causes of panic attacks are:
- Depression
- Alcohol or other drug abuse
- Too many cigarettes or coffee
You can learn how to stop panic attacks, even if you don’t know what actually caused it. Keep in mind that people don’t die from panic attacks. Once it starts you need to start breathing deeply and think calming thoughts. You body is trying to fight an ill-perceived threat. It can be a rough 10 or 20 minutes, but you can make it through. Read on to find out how stopping panic attacks before they started is possible.
Most people believe that stress is what causes panic attacks. Stopping panic attacks is possible if you find out what is stressing you out and start working on that. You may not think that you are stressed. Do some internal thinking and talk to your doctor about lowering your stress. Find ways to eliminate what is going on in your life that might be creating stressful situations.
If you let them, panic attacks can interrupt your normal daily routines. Learning to overcome the feelings that trigger the attack will help in stopping panic attacks for good.
