Panic Attack From PTSD

Can a panic attack be caused from PTSD? Simply put…YES! Emphatically, feeling afraid is a common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Having intense fear that comes on suddenly could mean you’re having a panic attack. At length, this sudden fear may come without warning or without any obvious reason. Or a panic attack may happen when something reminds you of your trauma.

PTSD panic attacks are intense episodes of fear and anxiety that can be triggered by a traumatic event. Therefore, These panic attacks can be overwhelming and make you feel like you are out of control. You may feel like you are going crazy, or that something terrible is about to happen

“Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful.” —Annette Funicello

PTSD Panic Attack Symptoms

During a panic attack, you may be afraid of dying or afraid of losing control of yourself. Consequently, it may seem like things happening around you aren’t real. An attack usually lasts from 5 to 20 minutes but may last even longer, up to a few hours. Concurrently, you have the most anxiety about 10 minutes after the attack starts.

You may have physical symptoms, including:

Firstly, chest pain.
A fast or pounding heartbeat.
Difficulty breathing.
Dizziness, shaking, or trembling.
Stomach pain or nausea.
Sweating.
Chills or hot flashes.
Lastly, feeling like you’re choking.

If you’ve had more than one panic attack, or if you feel worried about the next time a panic attack will happen, then you may have panic disorder. At length, worrying about future panic attacks can cause stress and interfere with your life. You may try to avoid things that bring back memories of your traumatic event.

“Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.” —Margaret Mead

Complex PTSD and Panic Attacks

You may not be as familiar with the terms “complex trauma” or “complex post-traumatic stress disorder.” Also, these conditions may also be called Complex PTSD, CPTSD, or C-PTSD.

Complex PTSD profoundly impacts the health of our nervous systems because our difficult memories feel like they are happening to us in the present moment. Over and over, our bodies relive the trauma from decades prior. Therefore, this type of complex trauma is not related to a single accident like an attack or car accident but rather a series of traumas over a long time.

Living with Complex PTSD can be difficult. In addition to feeling anxious most of the time, if you are experiencing CPTSD, you may have the following complex PTSD symptoms and signs:

Firstly, flashbacks
Memory lapses
Distorted sense of self
Fourthly, inability to control your emotions
Hyperarousal
Unexplained upset stomach
Sleep disturbances
Challenged interpersonal relationships
Avoidance of certain circumstances/places
Substance use
Low self-esteem
Chronic health conditions
Nightmares
Depersonalization or derealization
Negative self-perception and thoughts of suicide
Unexplained headaches
Lastly, autoimmune conditions

PTSD Panic Attack Triggers

 Trauma Induced Panic Attacks

Certain triggers can set off your PTSD. Consequently, they bring back strong memories. You may feel like you’re living through it all over again. At this point, triggers can include sights, sounds, smells, or thoughts that remind you of the traumatic event in some way.

Some PTSD triggers are obvious, such as seeing a news report of an assault. Others are less clear. For example, if you were attacked on a sunny day, seeing a bright blue sky might make you upset. Hence, knowing your triggers can help you better cope with your PTSD.

Anything that reminds you of what happened right before or during a trauma is a potential trigger. Subsequently, they’re usually tied to your senses. You may see, feel, smell, touch, or taste something that brings on your symptoms. While triggers themselves are usually harmless, they cause your body to react as if you’re in danger.

 PTSD From Weed Panic Attack

While PTSD is triggered by a traumatic event, suffering from other mental health conditions can make PTSD symptoms more intense. At the same time, abusing marijuana can trigger other mental health problems, like depression, anxiety, and psychosis. But only if the individual is predisposed to these problems.

However, among adolescents who suffered both PTSD and substance abuse disorders, exposure to trauma appeared to induce addiction to a drug like marijuana in up to 59 percent of study participants. After suffering from domestic abuse, bullying, sexual trauma, or disaster, adolescents were more likely to begin abusing drugs like alcohol or marijuana to manage PTSD. Drugs change emotional reactions, in some instances numbing sensations and inducing relaxation for a short period.

“Be persistent and never give up hope.” —George Lucas

PTSD From Panic Attack Treatments

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that has been found to be the most effective treatment of PTSD, both in the short term and the long term. Hence, CBT for PTSD is trauma-focused, meaning the trauma event(s) are the center of the treatment. This type of therapy can help you learn how to manage your symptoms, reduce anxiety, and develop coping mechanisms.

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can also be helpful in managing symptoms. Therefore, these techniques can help you reduce stress, lower your heart rate, and calm your mind.

Medications such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines can also be used to treat PTSD with panic attacks. Furthermore, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Also, benzodiazepines can help reduce the severity of panic attacks, but they can be habit-forming.

“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.”—Will Rogers

Support

Firstly, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI provides support groups for individuals with PTSD and panic attacks, as well as their families and loved ones. You can also find resources for finding a mental health professional.

Lastly, Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): The ADAA provides resources and support for individuals with anxiety disorders, including PTSD and panic attacks. You can find information on treatment options, support groups, and self-help resources.

Conclusion

PTSD with panic attacks can be a challenging condition to manage, but there are effective treatment and management options available. Therefore, seeking professional help and using a combination of psychotherapy, relaxation techniques, and medication can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

The “trauma” of having a panic attack is vastly different from the “trauma” of war or a horrific accident. The effects from a brain mechanics point of view is similar. Even so, the anxiety experienced by someone suffering with PTSD is much like the severe anxiety experienced by one who is fearing the effects of yet another panic attack. Therefore, both disorders can cause avoidance as a means of survival and both can also create agoraphobia.