PANIC ATTACKS
1. What is it?
Attacks of panic are very common. A panic attack is a sudden feeling of overwhelming fear that comes without warning and without obvious reason. It can be quite frightening when it first happens because the person having the attack may feel as if there is something seriously wrong with them physically. Sometimes people report thinking that they are going to die. Many people with panic attacks visit their doctor trying to determine a physical cause for their sudden shortness of breath, heart racing, increased sweating, intense nervousness, queasy stomach, etc. In addition, you may feel as if you are emotionally ‘falling to pieces’, find yourself being very nervous in certain situations, and perhaps that you are going crazy.
2. Why might it develop?
Panic attacks may develop in response to poor coping with stress (e.g.; psychological or physical). When faced with danger, your body becomes ready for fight or flight from the stressor. This reaction causes many of the physical symptoms outlined above. Excessive worry and negative thinking patterns can also contribute to the development and maintenance of panic attacks. People who frequently worry may be more vulnerable to panic.
3. What is the impact on you and the people around you?
Some individuals continue their daily activities despite the possibility of panic. Eventually, however, frequent attacks of panic can interfere with daily functioning. People may begin to avoid situations for fear of panic. You may eventually develop a phobia to certain situations or places (e.g.; going to the supermarket). People in such situations can become afraid of having another panic attack more serious than the last and be unable to seek medical attention. People around you may unknowingly reinforce your avoidance of particular situations in an effort to try and reduce your suffering and offer support. Ultimately it can have the effect of limiting your choices and thus interfere with your enjoyment of life.
4. Some tips on how to handle it.
Here are some general ideas that may be of benefit to you:
- Tell yourself helpful thoughts when approaching stressful situations. Don’t immediately assume that you will have a panic attack if you enter certain situations.
- Remind yourself that your physiological responses are stress responses and not a sign of something being physically wrong with you.
- Use visualization to picture yourself coping effectively in difficult situations.
- Make yourself aware of the situations you typically avoid in preparation for gradually facing these once you and have the necessary ‘psychological tools’ and are prepared.