Many panic attack sufferers continue periodic random attacks over time and develop panic disorder. One of the worst effects of panic disorder is the increasing dread over when and where the next panic attack might occur. Dwelling on this possibility often triggers another panic attack. It becomes an endless cycle of fear, dread, and panic.
If you?re suffering from this condition the most important fact to understand is that panic attacks cannot harm you. Period!
It is critical to understand this. Most people, especially those new to panic attacks, start thinking of all the bad things that can happen during the panic attack, thus making it worse.
A panic attack is like a false alarm from our brain to our body. When we are in true danger our body?s fight-or-flight mechanism kicks into action to get us out of harm?s way. When we have a panic attack we experience that same rush of fear & terror and all the physiological sensations that can go along with it, like a racing heart, sweating, tightening of the throat, and light headedness. The difference in a panic attack is that there is no immediate threat present.
If you think you are experiencing panic attacks there are many treatment options available. Panic attacks are a highly treatable disorder. The treatments range from antidepressants and natural herbal remedies to cognitive therapy involving a mental health professional.