Panic Attack Symptoms - The FactsPanic attack symptoms can be terrifying to some people, a sign of an underlying medical condition, or just an annoyance to others. The most common sensations experienced during a panic attack are:
You may experience some or all of these without any warning, or they may occur in response to a specific event.
5 Important Facts About Panic Attack Symptoms1) They Can Be Caused By Medical IssuesIf this is the first time you have experienced these symptoms, go to a doctor to get checked out. If you are feeling really bad call an ambulance. It is important to seek medical help as panic attack symptoms can be the result of an underlying medical condition, such as heart problems, hypoglycemia, thyroid issues or other health problems. Feelings of anxiety, heart beat irregularities, heart palpitations, dizziness, and feelings of shakiness are common signs of several medical conditions. 2) You're Having a Panic Attack? Don't Fight the SymptomsIf you have had panic attacks before you know that the panic attack symptoms eventually just stop all on their own - without you having to do anything. The panic attack symptoms themselves - although they can be uncomfortable won't actually hurt you. Ironically, the best way to manage panic attack symptoms is to just let go and let the sensations flow through your body. They will eventually leave. If you tense up and become afraid of them, they tend to hang around a bit longer! If you find yourself hyperventilating (tingling and lightheadedness can be a sign) try breathing into a paperbag - this can help regulate your breathing and help you to breath deeply - this is will cause your body to relax a bit. Breathe deeply and slowly from the bottom of your chest. If the paper bag method does not seem to work for you, there are several other methods you can use to regulate your breathing. One I find works best for me is to take a deep breath and then hold it for as long as you can, then breathe out when you can no longer stand to hold it in any longer. You will notice the sense of relief and relaxation that starts to flood your body. 3) Panic Attack Symptoms Are Part of The Fight/Flight ResponseSomehow your mind and body have interpreted your situation as being one in need of a dramatic survival response. This may or may not be a realistic interpretation. Your body is preprogrammed with an ability to shut down all non-essential functions and be instantly ready for an intense reaction in situations where you may need to act fast to save your life. In these situations you will be flooded with hormones that can enable you to run very quickly, or fight with extreme fury. Your heart beats quickly ready to power your body quickly with blood and energy, non urgent processes like digestion are shut down, and your nervous system becomes on alert ready to act with super fast speed and power. Those of us who suffer from panic issues go into this state of emergency readiness far more than is necessary. It can be unnerving, annoying and uncomfortable to be frequently experiencing an "alarm" state.
4) Specific Strategies Will Reduce Your Fear of Panic Attack SymptomsOnce you understand what is happening in your body and mind, and start to learn how to better manage your thinking and physical reactions, you will get to a stage where anxiety and panic sensations are no big deal any longer. You begin to feel more relaxed and are not so concerned when you feel sensations of anxiety.
5) You Can Feel Better and Treat Panic DisorderEvery one of us is different and unique, but we can all start to feel more comfortable, calm and relaxed by discovering the best ways to help ourselves overcome anxiety and panic.
If you have repeated panic attacks you may have panic disorder. Learn more about Panic Attack Disorder Facts Read real life stories of people with panic attack disorder in What is a Panic Attack ? Return from Panic Attack Symptoms to the Panic and Agoraphobia Home Page |