The Fear Of The Panic Attack

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Sweating
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Feelings of fear, dread, or impending doom
  • Nausea or abdominal discomfort
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Finaly, numbness or tingling sensations
What actually triggers a panic attack?  Good question! Even so,  sometimes you can have one for absolutely no reason at all.  Furthermore, sometimes you can tell when one is coming because your anxiety is really high.  

Phobias are intense and often irrational fears of certain objects, situations, or activities. Consequently, people who have phobias may experience an attack when they encounter the object or situation they fear. By the same token, people with social anxiety disorder, being in social situations or interacting with others can trigger an attack.

Therefore, at this point in my life, I know for me just being around other people, I have panic attacks. Even people I already know, like my dad. We live in the same house but hardly speak to one another. Even more, for some people, traveling to new places, changes in routine, or being in unfamiliar environments can trigger a one. Henceforth, for others it's traveling to new places, changes in routine, or being in unfamiliar environments can trigger an attack.

Subsequently, panic attacks must be followed by at least one month of persistent fear of having another attack, worry about the consequences of the attack, or significant changes in behavior related to the attack.

In some cases, consuming high doses of caffeine (more than 400 milligrams per day) can lead to increased anxiety and induce panic attacks. Indeed, people who are prone to them may be particularly sensitive to caffeine's effects, which can trigger or worsen symptoms of anxiety or panic. For example, I used to drink a lot of pop before I was diagnosed with SAD. I have cut way back since then and I can feel the difference.
  • Unexpected – Consequently, this is the most common type and occurs without any warning or apparent trigger.
  • Situational – This type of attack is triggered by a specific situation, such as being in an elevator, driving on a highway, or speaking in front of a large audience. Anymore, I have difficulty driving because I’m afraid I’m going to get in an accident. Although, I still drive to all my appointments even though I am scared to death. You never know what the other driver is going to do.
  • Anticipatory – Finally, this type of panic attack is triggered by the anticipation or fear of a situation that may cause an attack. For example, someone who has experienced a panic attack while driving may become anxious and fearful about driving again, which can trigger a new panic attack.
    Generally, you can get panic attacks at night or have them in the morning, they don’t discriminate. Although, some people say they’re worse at night or vice versa. I say all of them are bad. Sometimes when I wake up, I can feel the anxiety starting in. On the other hand, this is wrong for me to say, but as long as I stay in my room, I hardly have attacks. In a word, that is one of the more important reasons why I don’t leave if I don’t have to. In any case, I know I shouldn’t say that because I’m avoiding the problem instead of dealing with it. Some people might say that I should deal with the anxiety because it’s not good to keep things bottled up inside. I say watch me! At this point and time, I’m not ready.

  • During a derealization panic attack, individuals may feel as if they are watching the world through a fog or haze, or as if they are experiencing events from a distance. In brief, the world may appear distorted or surreal, and individuals may feel unable to connect with the people and objects around them.

  • In any event, you can have an attack while you are sleeping called nocturnal panic attack. During a nocturnal panic attack, an individual may suddenly wake up from sleep in a state of intense fear or dread, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat. They may occur due to physiological factors such as hormonal changes or imbalances, genetics, or stress. In some cases, certain medications, substances, or medical conditions may contribute to the development attacks during sleep.
Given that, treatment for panic attacks may involve a combination of medication and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).   Overall, relaxation and stress-reducing techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, may also help manage symptoms.   Therefore, here are some techniques that can assist in managing panic attack symptoms:
  • First of all, slow, deep breathing can help to regulate the breathing patterns and reduce feelings of anxiety.
  • Relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, mindfulness meditation or visualization can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
  • Focusing on the present moment and grounding oneself in the surroundings can help manage the symptoms. Method such as touch or feel, sight, smell etc. can all be helpful.
  • Fourthly, focusing on positive affirmations and self-talk can help individuals shift their thoughts from negative to positive.
  • Engaging in activities that take your mind off the anxiety and panic symptoms. Activities such as drawing, music, reading or talking to someone else about a non-anxiety provoking topic can act as a distraction.
  • Regular physical exercise releases endorphins or the ‘feel good hormones’ and promotes relaxation.
  • Therefore, consulting with a mental health professional who specializes in treating panic attacks can help individuals learn coping strategies and manage their symptoms effectively. Therapies like CBT, Exposure Therapy, or medications can manage the symptoms..
  • First of all, exercise releases endorphins which promote feelings of positivity and relaxation.
  • Essential oils that are used in aromatherapy can be helpful for individuals experiencing panic attacks. Lavender oil is believed to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety when diffused or applied to the skin.
  • Deep breathing exercises can support relaxation and regulate the breathing pattern.
  • Fourthly, mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga promote relaxation in a natural way.
  • Chamomile tea is believed to have a calming effect on the body and mind.
  • Finally, adequate sleep is essential for mental health. Getting enough sleep can help manage symptoms of anxiety and reduce the frequency and intensity of the attacks.
  • In short, if you don’t have panic attacks, you’re lucky. Although, for those that do, I hope the information in this post was valuable to you. A lot of people are dealing with anxiety and panic attacks, but don’t know how to handle them. Therefore, you just have to hang in there and things will seem clearer.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/panic-attacks/#:~:text=a%20pounding%20or%20racing%20heartbeat,sweating%2C%20trembling%20or%20shaking

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321510

How To Stop a Panic Attack!(Opens in a new browser tab)

Panic Disorder Coping Skills(Opens in a new browser tab)

How Are Panic Attacks and OCD Related?(Opens in a new browser tab)

Panic Attack, Help!(Opens in a new browser tab)

Triggers And The Best Treatments For Generalized Anxiety Disorder(Opens in a new browser tab)

Leave a Reply

About Me

Hi, I’m Cindee, the creator and author behind one voice in the vastness of emotions. I’ve been dealing with depression and schizophrenia for three decades. I’ve been combating anxiety for ten years. Mental illnesses have such a stigma behind them that it gets frustrating. People believe that’s all you are, but you’re so much more. You can strive to be anything you want without limitations. So, be kind.

>

Discover more from One Voice In The Vastness Of Emotions

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading