Panic attacks are said to occur when a person experiences a feeling of fear and discomfort that usually happens suddenly with no warning. Normally, when a person experiences a panic attack, they are thrown into a moment where he or she exhibits a sudden reaction from a rush of adrenaline and an impulse to flee or defend from whatever the situation is, while there in fact might actually be no reason for such reactions. However, to the one experiencing this feeling, it is more or less like the end of the world has arrived.
It is said that over 11 percent of people in the US experience panic attacks. It is usually characterized by profuse sweating, the beating of the heart, shaking (obviously from fear), and a feeling of impending doom, among many others, which we will subsequently cover in this article.
When panic attacks occur, it mostly lasts for a few minutes; however, after going through that short yet disturbing experience, most people are usually left in a state where their emotional stability is not quite where it should be. Mostly, it will take a while before the person stabilizes again, that is, if only the said person does not experience another episode again. Normally, panic attacks are said to last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes.
Normally, it happens that people experience this feeling once in a while throughout their lifetime, especially in situations where they are usually stressed. This is a natural occurrence that indicates that we are going through something beyond us. However, when you constantly experience this feeling suddenly for no reason and without factual explanation, you might be having a panic disorder. It is said that over 2 to 3 percent of people in the US have panic disorder.
When a person experiences a series of panic attacks for a time, he or she is said to be having what can be referred to as a panic disorder. When you have panic disorder, you basically normally experience feelings of anxiety and panic, as well as frequent stress from time to time.
The main difference between panic attacks and panic disorder is that panic disorder, usually happens in episodes and suddenly, and the emotional and physical toll it takes on the individual can be quite substantial. Also, panic disorder is the main mental health condition, while panic attacks are the symptoms. Panic attacks usually happen only when a person is already in a state of stress or anxiety.
Factors That Can Cause Panic Attacks
These factors are what might cause a person to have panic attacks along the line when they have not even been diagnosed with panic disorder, but as it stands, these factors are able to trigger panic attacks in most individuals.
Concerning panic attacks, there are several environmental factors as well as social factors that play a key role, provided a person experiences them. Normally, when a person goes through any of these factors or experiences anything that comes as a result of these factors, it causes a shift in the state of their emotions and mental stability, such that, when they are not properly attended to in any way, they start to experience panic attacks frequently. The following are some of the environmental and social factors that can possibly cause panic attacks.
Death Of A Loved One
Normally, when a loved one dies, they may go through a short phase of panic attacks. This mostly occurs when the person who died means a lot, and as a result, their death can bring quite a shock to the one experiencing the panic attack. It mostly occurs when the person has nightmares from too much thinking or associating themselves with the memory of the dead person.
Stressful Jobs
Also, another possible environmental factor that can cause panic attacks is when you are involved in work that puts you under a lot of stress. Not all work can be stressful, but there are many others that can prove to be very stressful, such that most of these employees normally find themselves having panic attacks due to obvious reasons.
Trauma
Trauma is a mental condition a person goes through when they experience certain events that are enough to have caused them harm or possibly death. Most people observe or encounter events that are enough to traumatize them. Usually, it happens that, when these events are recent, the victim normally experiences frequent panic attacks, especially when they do not get the help they need as soon as possible.
Pressure From The Society
Another social factor that can cause panic attacks is pressure from society. This pressure will probably come mostly when you are a leader of a society or have some obligations that need to be met for the good of that society.
Also, it does not have to be necessarily pressure from society but also from family or any other organization whereby an individual is indebted to in some way and, as a result, must find ways and means to get out of whatever situation it is. Also, it can be that the said person wants to be of a certain status in society or family and, as a result, is always seen to be under stress in trying to get there and get that approval. This is normally observed in students who invest a lot in their studies only to later fail their exams.
Once a person usually gets this feeling of anxiety and stress in a more prolonged manner, the brain also sees it as a sign of some dangerous event looming around the corner, and as a result, to remind you and also as a way to make sure you can be safe from whatever situation or danger it is, you will once in a while experience this attack. Meanwhile, you might not even be in any real physical danger, just that you are stressed.
Family Problems
Most of the time, panic attacks can set in when a person is experiencing family-related issues. A typical example is when there is a conflict in your family, or possibly a divorce or anything of that nature. Family problems can also cause panic attacks, especially for people who are very invested in their families. A typical example is adolescents who still have both of their parents married and are yet to experience a possible divorce from their parents.
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Financial Situation
Another reason that can cause a person to experience panic attacks is when they are in a certain financial situation, such as being in debt and having no clear way out or having any idea of how to get out of such debt. And as a result, they are constantly trying to find ways and means to get out of this problem. As this person is constantly thinking of how to get out, it is also accompanied by stress, anxiety, and a feeling of impending doom, which, when proper care is not taken, can actually lead to panic attacks.
Unemployment
When a person is unemployed, they have a lot of things to consider almost all the time. The said person will be constantly reminded that there are bills to be paid, food to be put on the table, rent, clothes, and many other things, including even what society will think of him or her (as probably being a failure) in most culture-rich societies. In that case, this person will be in constant stress, trying to find ways and means out of this situation. It mostly happens that panic attacks set in when the person feels like there is no way out of this problem and that they are stuck.
Having A Health Condition
Also, when a person has a health condition, it is more probable that they will develop panic attacks. Most of the time, it happens that for a person with a health condition to develop a health condition, it must be that whatever health condition it is, it must be chronic or severe, such that it must be so severe as to place a feeling of constant fear in their heart that possibly they are never getting out of this one unscathed.
Panic attacks mostly set in, especially when the person is made to understand there is no way out of it. That is also another reason why, mostly, the family of a person diagnosed with deadly health conditions is usually advised to keep an eye on the patient and support them as much as possible; if not, the patient will possibly find himself or herself having constant panic attacks, all because they did not get the right amount of support to keep them mentally stable when in such conditions.
Being Addicted To Drugs
Another possible cause of panic attacks is when one is addicted to drugs. When a person is addicted to drugs, the brain registers the drug as the new normal of the body. As a result, the moment the brain no longer feels the effect of the said drug in the body, especially in the case where an addict decides to quit, the brain can create a huge ruckus in your nervous system, where you suddenly feel as though you are probably going crazy, are losing yourself, or as if something is missing. And once that happens, that would be when you can be said to be experiencing panic attacks.
Some Symptoms Of Panic Attacks
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of panic attacks:
- When you are about to have a panic attack or actually have one, you mostly experience a sense of doom.
- Most people become dizzy or lightheaded.
- There are other people who experience trembling while sweating.
- Your heart starts to beat faster.
- You find it difficult to breathe.
- You experience feelings that make you feel as though you are going mad.
Treatments
It is not always advisable to jump to conclusions when you have no clear idea about what you are experiencing, and as such, it is recommended that you go to the hospital to be properly checked to see if you indeed have panic attacks like you might be suspecting or if it is something else.
Talk Therapies
Once you are diagnosed with a panic attack or panic disorder, you will be advised to take talk therapies to help you relax and fend off whatever stress you may be going through. Normally, it is the first method employed in trying to help people who have been diagnosed with both panic attacks and disorders.
Medications
Also, if needed, you will be given medications that will help to reduce some of the symptoms of panic attacks.
How To Prevent Panic Attacks
Due to how disturbing panic attacks can be, one needs to be aware of not only the possible factors and treatment methods but also how they can be prevented. It is better to be proactive when it comes to your health, and as such, the following are some of the ways you can avoid having panic attacks, even when you find yourself in a situation where you are likely to have them.
- It is better to avoid getting addicted to drugs.
- You need to practice breathing exercises.
- You must watch your diet.
- You must try and avoid stressful situations
- You must also work out as much as possible.
- Learn how to meditate.
Final Words
With time, as you practice the above methods to avoid panic attacks, you will have a considerable amount of control over your mental health and your life as a whole. Make sure to go see your doctor as soon as possible once you realize you have experienced panic attacks. That way, you will always be a step ahead in taking care of your mental health.
