What is a panic attack and the symptoms of it?

Panic and anxiety can mean different things to different people. Some may consider it nerves before giving a big presentation or butterflies in the stomach before going on a first date. While these types of anxiety are normal feelings that almost everyone experiences, there is a type of panic that can be much more devastating. People who suffer from panic attacks live their lives with constant worry and fear. There is a great deal of panic attack help for you. The important thing is to check and see what your symptoms are in the first place.

Panic Attacks versus Anxiety Feelings

So what is the difference between a panic attack and an anxious feeling? The major factor is whether or not there is a cause to the anxiety. If you’re feeling nervous and uncomfortable because you’re facing a new situation, you’re likely just feeling a bit anxious. However, if you’re overcome by feelings of dread and fear without a concrete cause, you may be suffering a panic attack.

Another difference is the severity of feeling. If you feel anxious you may feel a bit uncomfortable. Your heart may beat faster or you may sweat more, but generally speaking you aren’t feeling bad enough that you worry about your health. A panic attack is an entirely different story. These attacks cause your heart to pound, your fingers to go numb, and for your chest to hurt. You may worry you’re having a heart attack and become even more distressed.

More Panic Attack Symptoms

Panic attacks do mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. Chest pain, heart palpitations, and numbness or tingling in the fingers and arm are all common. However, there are other symptoms that go along with panic attacks. Panic attack symptoms in women can be quite troublesome.

One common symptom is an overwhelming sense of fear and dread. You may worry that you are about to die, or that you’re about to lose control of your mind and go crazy. Finally, you might feel detached from your body, or that everything around you is unreal.

There are physical symptoms to go along with the emotional ones when a panic attack occurs. You may have trouble breathing, or might hyperventilate. You could have chills or sweats or feel as though you might faint. You may tremble uncontrollably or feel nauseous. All of these symptoms are uncomfortable and may leave you feeling even more worried.

Why do Panic Attacks Occur?

One of the most frightening things about panic attacks is that we don’t really know what causes them. There are some biological factors that may be involved, and it’s been noted that a tendency towards them runs in families. Environmental issues can also be a cause. People are often diagnosed with anxiety disorders when they’re in early adulthood. This is a period of great change in people’s lives – graduating school and entering the work force, getting married, having children. It is thought that these changes can bring about panic.

What Can Be Done About Panic Attacks?

Depending on the severity of the attack, you may be able to address the panic yourself. Trying to isolate negative thoughts and taking good care of your body can both help. If the attacks are so severe that they’re interfering with your daily life, though, consulting with a doctor is a wise choice. He or she may be able to prescribe medicine to help or can lead you through therapy that will lessen the severity of the attacks.

Panic attacks are a frightening experience to go through, but when you know what you’re dealing with they can be much easier to endure. If you’re worried you’ve been experiencing panic attacks, take the time to check in with a doctor. Confronting the problem head on is the best way to protect yourself from anxiety.