WOMEN AND THE WESTERN LIFESTYLE

Panic Attacks Explained…

A panic attack comes on rapidly, with a burst of panic and anxiety. Often, attacks happen without forewarning and without any obvious cause. In some situations, panic attacks are a common daily dilemma while in others they are more unusual. In people with numerous panic attack episodes, this may be a sign of a relationship connecting the panic and a place or situation. While it is usually safe, panic attacks can severely disable someone physically, emotionally and psychologically. Panic attacks may even progress into the more serious type of panic disorder.

Who gets panic attacks?

Panic attacks touch the lives of many people. It is thought that 10% of the whole population is suffering from panic attacks, yet many are still undiagnosed or under-diagnosed. Many sufferers of panic attacks are young adults. Female are twice as prone to have an attack as male. Some scientists suggest that panic attacks run in family and may be genetic.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Panic Attack?

If you are having a panic attack, there will be numerous signs. They include raised heartbeat or palpitation, chest pain, hyperventilation or shortness of breath, stomach churning, upset stomach, trembling and shaking, muscle tension, sweating, dizziness and light-, hot or cold flashes, tingling sensation or numbness, fear of dying, going crazy or losing control and feeling detached from the surroundings.

The signs and symptoms of panic attacks are similar to a heart attack. Panic attacks seldom lead to long term injury, but heart attacks might. Seeking medical attention is important, particularly if this is the first panic attack you have had.

What Causes Panic Attacks?

Many panic attacks transpire without any apparent reason; they just come by chance. In other cases, an event or situation in the person’s life can be to blame for the onset of panic attacks. An attack might occur when a person is exposed to different events or situations almost similar to the past that might “trigger” panic.

Stress is also recognized to have an effect on anxiety and panic. From life events to traumatic working or living environment, all of these can be triggers. Genes and heredity may also play a role in panic and anxiety.

What to Do In A Panic Attack

Panic attacks peak from 5 to 10 minutes; it rarely lasts for more than half an hour.If you are having a panic attack, you are probably experiencing a number of the symptoms above. During a panic attack, you may wish to control your breathing to maintain your heart rate down. You should be taking slow, deep breaths. Breathe in while counting to three and breathe out while counting to three.

Do this until you’re calm. If you can stand up, walk around slowly. Some folks like breathing in to a paper bag. By doing so, you can re-inhale your carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide helps fix the blood acid level that had been disturbed by excessive breathing.

Be certain to clear your mind of the immediate stress while doing this exercise. Replace the stressful thoughts with calm ones. Diversion might also help keep your mind off of the panic trigger.