What Are Panic Attacks?
A panic attack is an episode of intense fear that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. It's characterized by feelings of terror, shortness of breath, numbness, and/or feeling as though one were going crazy.
How Do They Affect People?
Panic attacks can cause extreme anxiety and worry, making it difficult to function normally. In some cases, people with panic disorder may also feel depressed or guilty because they believe they're being irrational.
Causes Of Panic Attacks
There are several possible causes of panic attacks. One common cause is stress. Stressful situations can trigger an attack by causing a person's body to release adrenaline into the bloodstream. This triggers a fight or flight response, which makes them feel anxious and nervous.
Treatment For Panic Attacks
If you're having a panic attack, there are things you can do to help yourself calm down. First, try to identify what triggered the attack. Was it something external (like a loud noise) or internal (like feeling stressed)? Once you've identified the source of the problem, you can take steps to avoid triggering another attack.
Prevention Tips
Next, you need to learn how to recognize when you're having an attack. You might notice symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, numbness, tingling, or lightheadedness. These symptoms usually last less than five minutes. If you feel these symptoms coming on, try taking deep breaths and relaxing.