Experts do not know exactly what causes panic attacks. When our body perceives danger, it reacts by either preparing to run away or dealing with the situation. This is called the “flee or flight” response. When this happens we get a burst of energy, our heart rate increases and we breathe heavily. A panic attack occurs when this situation is triggered when there is no real danger. Many people feel helpless when it comes to panic attacks but you can be successful in stopping panic attacks.
During a panic or anxiety attack the sufferer has an intense feeling of fear or terror. Besides the racing heartbeat and troubled breathing, the sufferer may have chest pain or tightness of the chest. Many people experiencing a panic attack for the first time end up in the emergency room thinking that they are having a heart attack.
A panic attack can happen anywhere. You can be driving your car, at your desk working or in a deep sleep. From out of nowhere you get a feeling of impending dread and you can experience a feeling of overwhelming fear.
Why some people are more susceptible than others we don’t know. There is evidence that panic disorder runs in families. If you had a parent that suffered from panic disorder, depression or bipolar disorder, you may have a higher chance of developing a panic disorder also. But it doesn’t mean you have to suffer. You can learn how to stop panic attacks.
Major life events and physical illness can bring on panic attacks. There are also medicines that can trigger something in your brain and cause a panic attack. After your first panic attack, you live in fear of another. Usually it happens because you are so worried about having another attack that you bring one on. Get some help in stopping panic attacks and reduce the fear.
Some other possible causes of panic attacks are:
- Depression
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Too much nicotine or caffeine
Even though it’s not known what causes panic attacks, there are things you can do to handle the attack once it starts. Remember that people don’t die from panic attacks. It may seem like you are but it is all an ill-perceived threat. Breath deeply and think about something calming. Do whatever you can to get through those 10 to 20 minutes of terror. Read on to find out how to stop a panic attacks before it starts.
Many people believe that in order to stop panic attacks you need to find out exactly what causes the attacks. It is widely believed that the trigger for most panic attacks is stress. You may think you know when you are stressed but it may not be what you think. Talk to your doctor, make sure you get ideas on how to lower your stress levels. Get a handle on your stress by eliminating some of the stressful situations you might find yourself in.
Don’t suffer from panic attacks so much that it messes up your normal day to day activities. Stop panic attacks for good by identifying the causes for you and overcome them.