Panic Attacks Anxiety Disorder

How Can You Tell If You Have Panic Disorder?

Everyone feels anxious some of the time - and we all even get extremely anxious at times - it's just part of life.

But sometimes anxiety and panic are so frequent and so severe that they begin to really restrict the way we live.

Is anxiety and/or panic impacting your life so that you can no longer do the things you used to do? Then you may have anxiety disorder.

Have you had one or more panic attacks? Do you now structure your life around trying to avoid panic attacks? Are you fearful of having another panic attack on a daily basis? Then you may have panic disorder.

What Does Panic Disorder Mean?

Calling something a "disorder" doesn't necessarily mean you are sick and need medicine! It just means that a reaction or set of behaviors or ways of thinking are limiting your life!

And it is limiting in a way that it is not just an annoyance but really getting in the way of you living your life to the fullest!

And so it needs to be fixed.

Panic Attacks Can Lead To Agoraphobia

Panic attacks and panic disorder can cause a huge problem if left untreated.

On average, one in three people with panic disorder will go on to develop agoraphobia.

Many people have panic attacks. If you have the occasional one here and there, it generally doesn't turn into an issue.

However, when you have many that hit you from nowhere, you may fear the next one.

In an attempt to avoid the feared attack, you may begin to avoid the types of places where your attack happened, or the types of activities.

Soon your world closes in on you.

This could lead to agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is debilitating. You begin to shut yourself from many things. Your world gets smaller and smaller. It becomes difficult to go out. You lose your independence. Depression may set in.

Panic Attacks Anxiety Disorder Help!

If you're going through this now, realize that although it is a difficult time you actually CAN get better, but you'll need help.

Educate yourself on what you're going through. Try to understand what is happening. Then look for help in dealing with it. There is lots of help available, even online - and even on this website! :)

Panic attacks anxiety disorder work can be difficult. With help and support, you can get through this and make great strides. It's been done by many. You will add yourself to those who have recovered.