Panic Attacks

The problem with panic attacks is they can originate from anywhere, at anytime although experts do know they are generally the result of anxiety, but why this affects the individual the way it does remains a mystery. By recognizing the causes of panic attacks, it is the first step to controlling them as you learn that a particular trigger does not have to mean a panic attack.

Being aware of a situation or condition that pre-empts the anxiety will mean that eventually, no matter how many times you are subject to the panic attack trigger, the anxiety that is normally felt will no longer be there. This has to be something that the victim wants to cure for good as there is no point in going through the process and only curing the problem temporarily.

Panic attacks are often caused by emotions such as guilt, depression, self-consciousness, fear, anger and general frustration. Research has proved one thing though, and that is that the panic attack condition and the feelings it instills are all controlled within a certain section of the brain and fall under the medical term of general anxiety disorders.

Most often seen in the work environment, general anxiety disorder can be caused by pressures at work which are also linked to depression so the person should avoid any position where this may be a cause. Stress can big a big factor in the cause of panic attacks and when stress happens in a work environment, anxiety is the result and an attack often follows.

The attack results in a person feeling extreme fear and the breathing becomes very rapid with a fast pulse in a condition called hyperventilation where it is not uncommon for thoughts of their own mortality to be overpowering. Whilst this situation may sound very dangerous, it is much easier to control than many people believe and the most important step is to control the breathing.

It is an easy matter to teach someone breathing exercises which will need to become an automatic response whenever a panic attack occurs. The breathing exercise relies on a regular two seconds breathing and two seconds breathing out, all the time ensuring the stomach is pushed out.

Fortunately by thinking about your breathing, you are forced away from thoughts of not having control. It is a case of controlling the symptom of the panic attack, i.e. breathing and not the underlying reason but it will force the person to calm themselves down. If these suggestions do not help, the problem may be deeper seated and will require professional help.