Of course, we all feel anxious sometimes, for instance before taking an exam or making a speech, and these feelings are completely normal and may be even helpful, endowing us with an increased sense of motivation and readiness for the upcoming event.
Unfortunately, however, for certain individuals, feelings of anxiety can escalate leading to anxiety related panic attacks. The symptoms of anxiety panic attacks are very frightening and debilitating for the individuals involved.
Symptoms of a Panic Attack
- Racing heartbeat and palpitations
- Sweating and shaking
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Inability to breathe normally and a fear of not being able to get enough air
- Light headedness and ringing in the years
- Feeling faint and sick
- Pins and needles in fingers and toes
- Feelings of terror and impending death
Why do Anxiety Panic Attacks Occur?
A panic attack can appear from nowhere without the sufferer ever having suffered from an excessive level of anxiety before. Unfortunately for the individual who has just experienced an anxiety attack, the memory of how terrible they felt in that situation may make them reluctant to ever re-visit the location or re-enact the activity which caused it. For example if the anxiety attack occurred whilst driving a vehicle, that person may avoid driving in future – a situation which is obviously going to be quite life-limiting.
The first time an individual experiences an anxiety panic attack they are likely to believe their symptoms are linked to a medical, and possibly life-threatening condition such as a heart attack. The sufferer will possibly visit their doctor in order to pinpoint the problem. Although it is possible that an underlying medical condition has caused symptoms like those of a panic attack, statistically a person is more likely to have suffered from an anxiety panic attack.
Anxiety Panic Attacks are Common
Anyone who has ever suffered an anxiety panic attack should take some solace in the fact they are not alone; in fact, more than six million adult Americans are thought to experience these attacks every year. Figures show that as many as one in nearly eight people worldwide will suffer from an anxiety related panic attack at some stage of their lives; that's more than will ever experience conditions such as bipolar disorder, alcohol abuse, schizophrenia or depression. People most likely to suffer from anxiety panic attacks are those in their twenties and thirties, and most are women. Teenagers are also prime sufferers of anxiety panic attacks, perhaps as a result of moving away from home to go to college.
Anxiety Panic Attacks are not Life-Threatening
What is important to remember about anxiety panic attacks is that even though at the time they may feel life-threatening, individuals do not actually come to any harm as a result of them. They do not suffer the expected heart attack, go “crazy” or die. The worst thing caused by a panic attack is to place the “fear of a panic attack” into the sufferer’s mind – this internalising or “fear of fear” can lead to the individual developing a panic disorder, an ongoing condition which willl require a form of treatment.
For helpful advice on ways to combat anxiety panic attacks visit
http://panic-attacks-treatment-advice.com
Thora Fitzpatrick - Professional and trusted writing published right across the globe
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