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Panic attacks can be an extremely disabling
condition for those that suffer from them, and
will often mean that the person will start to avoid any
situation that has caused these feelings in the past.
A panic attack can seem like you are
having a heart attack, with chest pains and pains in the
arm. Panic attacks are characterized by a rapid heart
beat, sweating, trembling, and a shortness of breath.
Other symptoms can include chills, hot flashes, nausea,
cramps, chest pain, tightness in the throat, trouble
swallowing and dizziness. Although
they can appear serious, they are not usually so. They
can occur after pulses of adrenaline try to prepare your
body of fight, or to flee. The fact that you have no
logical reason for the fear, and do not fight or flee
means that your brain becomes confused and sends out
another rush of adrenaline. The heart rate shoots up in
short bursts and the result is similar to cramp, hence
the chest pains etc.
One of the best ways to quicken
recovery from a panic attack is to calm down as quickly
as possible, control your breathing to a slow regular
rate, talk yourself through it, telling yourself that you
are not in danger, not going to die.
Controlling your breathing is important
because there is a tendency to hyperventilate, which will
make the symptoms worse. The more you panic, the more
adrenaline is released, so panic makes them worse. Hence
the name panic attack. To be on the safe side, go see
your doctor within a couple of days, but I am sure that (s)he
will reassure you that your heart is normal. If you have
a partner, discuss it with them, so that they can
reassure you. The development of relaxation skills is
very important, and your GP may wish to prescribe some medication
and offer some form of therapy.
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AEST
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