What are panic attacks and how to deal with them

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Attacks of unexplained fear can turn into panic disorder if ignored.

My first panic attack was terrible. It happened about three years ago. Then I broke up with my boyfriend after a long relationship, a friend died, there were health and money problems - somehow a lot of things piled up at once. I was often nervous, I was depressed all the time.

One day I came home from school, sat down on the sofa and suddenly felt that I was beginning to suffocate. My heart beat faster, I started to shake, I felt such a strong fear that I screamed. I did not understand at all where this horror came from. At first I thought that I was losing my mind, and then all thoughts disappeared, only fear remained. I slid off the couch onto the floor, leaned against the table and hugged my knees.

For the next 30 minutes I just shook, screamed and cried. There was no one at home, and I thought about the need to call the ambulance when I had already calmed down.

I have panic attacks about once every six months, when I experience emotional stress for a long time. But I deal with them much better than the first time.

What is a panic attack and what are its symptoms

A panic attack is an attack of strong unreasonable fear that can overtake Answers to Your Questions about Panic Disorder anytime, anywhere, even in a dream. It seems that now you will go crazy or die.

Seizures usually occur in adolescents and young people, and women are more likely to suffer than men.

During a panic attack, some or all of these symptoms of Panic attacks and panic disorder appear:

• feeling of loss of control over yourself or the situation;
• a feeling of unreality of what is happening;
• fast heartbeat;
• weakness, dizziness, sometimes even fainting;
• headache;
• tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers;
• hot flashes or chills;
• increased sweating;
• chest pain;
• shiver;
• shortness of breath or a lump in your throat;
• stomach cramps or nausea;
• labored breathing.

Episodes usually last 5–30 minutes, although some symptoms persist longer.

When to call an ambulance

Medical attention will be needed Are you having panic attacks?, if:

• A panic attack lasts longer than 20 minutes, and attempts to stop it do nothing.
• The victim feels sudden severe physical weakness and malaise. This usually ends in fainting.
• During the panic attack, my heart ached. This could be a sign of a heart attack.

Where do panic attacks come from?

It is unclear what exactly causes them. But experts believe Panic Attack Symptoms that attacks can appear due to stress or changes in life. For example, dismissal or starting a new job, divorce, wedding, childbirth, loss of a loved one.

Genetics also plays a role. If a family member suffers from panic attacks, then you may be predisposed to this.

Smokers, heavy coffee drinkers and drug users are also at risk.

Natalya Taranenko, neurologist of the highest qualification category of the Clinical and Diagnostic Center "Medintsentr", a branch of the GlavUpDK at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia

In the body, there is a breakdown in self-regulation, control of its own mental state, and the body's adaptive capabilities. Often this is a reaction to physical or mental stress, to stressful and conflict situations.

Why panic attacks are dangerous

Isolated episodes are usually harmless. But panic attacks need to be treated if they recur, otherwise they will develop into panic disorder. Because of him, a person lives in constant fear.

There are other complications as well:

• Specific phobias. For example, fear of driving or flying.
• Problems with academic performance at school or college, deterioration in performance.
• Closure, unwillingness to communicate with other people.
• Depression or Anxiety Disorders.
• Suicidal thoughts, including attempts to commit suicide.
• Alcohol or drug abuse.
• Financial difficulties.

How to deal with a panic attack on your own

I have seizures most often at night, when no one is around. The first thing I do is immediately turn on the lights and any movie or TV series (just not a horror movie) so as not to feel alone. Silence and darkness cause even greater fear.

It may seem that the panic will not go away and you will no longer be able to control yourself. But this is not the case. There are several ways to calm down Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.

1. Breathe deeply

During an attack, shortness of breath may appear and the person feels that they are not in control. Tell yourself that shortness of breath is just a temporary symptom and will go away soon. Then take a deep breath, wait a second, and then exhale, mentally counting to four.

Repeat the exercise until normal breathing is restored.

2. Relax your muscles

This will give you back control of your body. Make a fist and hold in this position for a count of 10. Then unclench and completely relax your hand.

Also try to tighten and relax your legs, and then gradually work your way up the body, touching the glutes, abdomen, back, arms, shoulders, neck and face.

3. Repeat a positive attitude

Try saying a few encouraging phrases to yourself or out loud. For example: “This is temporary. I'll be ok. I just need to breathe. I calm down. Things are good.

4. Focus on an object

Study it to the smallest detail: color, size, pattern, shape. Try to remember other objects similar to him. Compare them with each other, mentally find the differences. This will help you distract yourself and think less about the fear you are experiencing.

5. Open windows

If you are in a stuffy room, fresh air will help you to recover.

How to treat panic attacks

If attacks recur, consult your doctor. This will help prevent or treat panic disorder.

First, contact a therapist who, depending on the symptoms, will prescribe an examination, and then refer you to a neurologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist. It is important to get tested to rule out diseases of the internal organs, as well as problems with the thyroid gland, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Natalya Taranenko, neurologist of the highest qualification category

Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms is treated with medication, psychotherapy or comprehensively.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is used. During it, a person learns to control himself, his feelings and emotions. Panic attacks will go away faster if you change your response to the physical sensations of fear and anxiety.

Medicines

They will help you deal with panic attacks. Drugs are especially needed if the attacks are severe and difficult to control on your own.

Some medications cause side effects: headaches, nausea, and insomnia. They are usually not dangerous, but if you feel them all the time, tell your doctor.