Anxiety attacks occur when our bodies activate the fight-or-flight response, which can lead to feelings of dread, fear and panic.
Anxiety can be a normal reaction to stress, but it could also be indicative of an underlying mental health issue. Being aware of the signs can help ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.
Symptoms
Anxiety attacks are marked by intense feelings of fear, dread and discomfort that may come on suddenly or accumulate over time. Physical reactions such as trembling, shaking, muscle tension, nausea or diarrhea, irritability, poor concentration, headaches light-headedness, heart palpitations, sweating and dizziness may accompany these emotions.
These attacks often strike quickly, sometimes going from zero to 10 in an instant. This is because your body’s fight-or-flight response kicks in when you become worried about something; it can happen even without a specific threat present.
These attacks interfere with daily life and stop you from doing the things you enjoy most. Furthermore, it may leave you feeling hopelessly depressed and unable to focus.
Panic disorder is a mental health condition that causes frequent, unexpected panic attacks that take place at unpredictable times and places. It can impact how you interact with others as well as make it difficult to perform at work or school.
Thankfully, many of the symptoms associated with this condition can be managed.
Causes
Anxiety attacks can be disorienting. While these can be frightening for the person experiencing them, remember that these feelings rarely cause harm and usually dissipate after a few minutes.
These symptoms can be caused by a number of things. Stress, lack of sleep and eating unhealthy foods are some common culprits. Furthermore, certain illnesses or diseases may trigger symptoms if not addressed promptly.
Some individuals with anxiety disorders are genetically predisposed, while others become affected by trauma or stress in childhood. Adverse childhood experiences like abuse or witnessing traumatic events may increase your likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder later in life.
Panic disorder (PD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by frequent, intense panic attacks that are usually unexpected. These episodes can be disabling and lead people to avoid various situations in order to escape them. You can visit this site for more information.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a type of anxiety disorder that causes persistent worry and tension that may last months or even years. Common symptoms include trembling, twitching, muscle tension, nausea, irritability, poor concentration, depression and fatigue.
Treatment
Panic attacks can be a frightening, disorienting experience that is hard to cope with. However, treatment is available that will provide you with relief and allow you to lead a more normal life.
Doctors employ a range of treatments to address anxiety, including medication, psychotherapy and exercise. Each has distinct advantages that may not suit everyone equally well.
Medication may be the first choice for some people. Your doctor may prescribe drugs like benzodiazepines that act quickly to relax both body and mind. These can be taken on an as-needed basis to stop panic attacks, or taken regularly if symptoms are severe.
Panic attacks can also be prevented with medication. Examples include beta blockers, which regulate heartbeat and reduce stress.
Some doctors suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you gain control over negative thoughts, feelings and reactions. This type of psychotherapy may even aid in managing panic disorder by teaching you how to recognize and avoid triggers.
A psychiatrist or psychologist can collaborate with you to develop a plan for managing your panic disorder. Based on their understanding of your medical history and other personal details, they will determine which treatments will be most beneficial for you.
Counseling can be beneficial if medication doesn’t seem to help, or if other issues may be causing your anxiety attacks. Together with a therapist, you’ll discuss symptoms, triggers and responses. They may also teach you techniques for making attacks less severe and how to prepare yourself mentally for them.
You can also try various relaxation and stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga or visualization. Many of these methods are accessible through your local mental health clinic or online resources. You can click the link: https://www.mindful.org/how-to-meditate/ for tips on how to meditate.
Sleeping enough each night can be a powerful tool in managing anxiety. A good night’s rest gives you energy and focus for daily tasks, while quitting smoking and cutting back on caffeine will improve your quality of sleep. Both substances cause mood-altering chemicals which make anxiety symptoms worse.
Prevention
As previously discussed, there are many ways to help prevent an anxiety attack. Unfortunately, since panic disorders don’t disappear overnight, knowing how to calm your next anxiety attack can make a significant difference as you learn to cope. Meditation or deep breathing can be incredibly helpful during panic attacks. Not only does it keep you calm, but it also allows you to focus on what steps you can take for self-care.
When experiencing an anxiety attack in public, try to find a quiet spot. Sitting amongst many people can only add to your nervousness and worsen the condition; so take some time out of the day by moving to a peaceful spot or leaning against a wall for some mental space.
You can use your imagination to picture a tranquil environment. For instance, envision a beach or meadow with flowing water.
Knowing the symptoms of an anxiety attack can help you when the situation arises. This is a manageable condition that can be seriously improved with the implementation of a few important techniques.
