Panic Attacks – What Are They & How Are They Triggered?

what are panic attacks

Panic attacks can happen suddenly without warning. Generally, the person experiencing a panic attack is filled with fear and dread, which can be crippling, making them feel helpless.

It is not a good experience. Panic attacks may happen for different reasons, and if you suffer from them, it is best to find out why they happen to you. When you know the triggers of your panic attacks, you’ll have taken the first step towards controlling your mind.

What are the Symptoms of a Panic Attack?

People experience different symptoms during a panic attack. Generally, panic attacks are accompanied by nausea, increased heart rate, sweating, headaches, chills, and feeling light-headed.

It is difficult to understand why these attacks happen, because people experience an intense feeling of fear for different reasons.

Here are some of the situations that could cause a person to experience panic attacks…

The Sudden Death of a Loved One

People who have lost a family member can experience panic attacks. In such cases, they suddenly feel afraid that other people they love may also pass away suddenly. The dread of losing more family members can cause the person to experience frequent panic attacks.

The Fear of Examinations

Students have been known to experience panic attacks. This usually happens when they are about to take part in an exam.

The Fear of Public Places

Some people feel an intense fear when they are in public places and surrounded by people. This type of panic attack has been described as a feeling like the individual is about to be stampeded by the crowd around them.

Previous Traumatic Experiences

People who have recently survived traumatic experiences can also experience panic attacks. For example, someone who survived a car crash may experience sudden fear when they are a passenger in a car.

Other common triggers for panic attacks include loud noises, flashing lights, or experiencing aggression towards you or another person.

It is a bad idea to attempt self-medication if you frequently experience panic attacks. Self-medication can lead to substance abuse and addiction. Instead, find a way to understand why you experience panic attacks which will help you get to the root of the problem. The good news is that there is a solution that can help you avoid these panic attacks for the rest of your life by seeking help from a trusted professional.

What You Should Do About Panic Attacks

It is best to seek the help of a psychotherapist if you frequently experience panic attacks.

The first step is to find out what triggers the attack and why. Next, you will go through therapy to overcome your fear, and the psychotherapist will work with you to help you try and live a normal life again. These mental health professionals will try and understand your situation and develop a personalised treatment plan to help you on your way.

For more information about making a diagnosis, check out https://fherehab.com/learning/panic-attacks-diagnosis/.

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