Millions of people all over the world suffer from panic attack. However, most of them are clueless about their condition and many suffer for long periods of time without gaining any insights into their condition. Confusion and misconception can also follow as the symptoms of a panic attack can mirror those of life-threatening illnesses.
The symptoms of a panic attack can includes the following:
- Hyperventilation (over-breathing)
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations, chest pain and irregular heart beats
-"Choking" sensation
...and much more!
The most annoying and worrying aspects of these symptoms is perhaps the fact that they mirror those of life-threatening illnesses/conditions. The worst of them is probably heart palpitations and chest pains which often lead to the notion of "heart attack" or "stroke". However, you need to realize the fact that no matter how uncomfortable these symptoms are, panic attack is not a life threatening condition and it cannot kill you.
During a panic attack, you body goes into a state call the fight-or-flight mode and your adrenal glands is stimulated. Adrenaline is produced which in turn simulates your heart and breathing rate. Adrenals will also release cortisol, which will trigger the release of glucose...and after a long chain of events; the result would be the symptoms a panic attack.
TheONLYthings you need to note of is that despite all the uncomfortable feelings, no matter how strong of painful they are -you will NOT die or be harmed in any way.
The next step from here would be to accept the fact that you have panic attack. The biggest problem for most sufferers is that they are embarrassed by the condition as they see it as a mental disorder or weakness - something you would not go around proclaiming. Left untreated, most will often sink deeper and this will lead to irrational fear and have a severe effect on relationships, work, etc.
Fortunately, panic attack is one of the most treatable conditions as you can easily recover and stop them forever - provided that you are willing to make the effort.
