Panic Attack

Todays topics

 1. What is a panic attack and what are the symptoms

2. What are some of the causes of panic attacks

3. How can you treat a panic attack

4. When should you seek professional help for panic attacks

What is a panic attack and what are the symptoms?

A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense fear or anxiety that can last for several minutes or even hours. It's accompanied by physical symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. If you've ever experienced one, you know how scary it can be. But what are they actually caused by? And are there any ways to prevent them from happening? In this post, we'll answer all your questions about panic attacks. So keep reading to learn more!

What are some of the causes of panic attacks?

Do you sometimes feel like you're about to have a heart attack? It may not be your heart at all- you could be experiencing a panic attack. Panic attacks can be scary and intense, but with the right knowledge and tools, they can become more manageable. In this post, we'll go over some of the causes of panic attacks and what you can do to help prevent them. Keep reading to learn more!

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How can you treat a panic attack?

Treatment aims to reduce the number of panic attacks you have and ease your symptoms.
Talking therapy and medicine are the main treatments for panic disorder. Your treatment will depend on your symptoms.

When should you seek professional help for panic attacks?

See a GP if you've been experiencing Attacks of intense fear or anxiety that seem to come on without a reason. A panic attack or worry that you will have another one, and your worrying interferes with your ability to do your daily activities.

They'll ask you to describe your symptoms, how often you get them, and how long you have had them.

They may also carry out a physical examination to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

It can sometimes be difficult to talk about your feelings, emotions and personal life, but try not to feel anxious or embarrassed.

You may be diagnosed with panic disorder if you have regular and unexpected panic attacks followed by at least a month of continuous worry or concern about having further attacks.

psychological causes of panic attacks may include:

·         Chronic stress

·         An existing mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

·         Phobias - people may experience panic attacks as a direct result of phobia

·         Lack of assertiveness - a growing body of evidence supports the idea that those who suffer from panic attacks engage in a passive style of communication or interactions with others

·         Low self-esteem

Pharmacological causes of panic attacks may include:

·         Alcohol

·         drugs or medication withdrawal

·         Medication side effects

·         Excessive caffeine intake

Environmental causes of panic attacks may include:

·         Chronic physical illnesses

·         Experiencing a significant personal loss, including bereavement

·         The breakdown of a relationship with a romantic partner

·         Significant life changes such as losing a job, becoming a parent, and moving house

Conclusion

You are not alone. Panic attacks are common with 1 in 5 people experiencing them at some point. Ask for help. Follow through on treatment and take back control. You Got this.