Panic attacks, anxiety disorder, a feeling of doom — no matter which term you apply to it, is there really a simple way of defining what this psychological disorder is? What is it exactly that happens prior to experiencing the sensations associated with a panic attack? What happens to your mind and body during the “episode”? More importantly, what can you exactly do for overcoming panic attacks?
A Quick Definition of Panic Attacks
You might be familiar with the expressionist painting of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch called “The Scream”. The work of art depicts a man, his world a-swirl in blues and oranges, his eyes big, his mouth open, and his hands held to either side of his head. Munch was known to suffer from panic — and this work of art is probably the best visual representation of how it is to undergo this type of anxiety disorder. Simply put, these attacks are a result of heightened anxiety. Everyone has the potential of experiencing a panic attack. However, for those who are not suffering from regular anxiety, panic disorders may only be triggered by extreme situations that may involve life and death, as an example.
A Feeling of Doom: Describing the Beginning Sensations
Again, those who do not have an anxiety disorder may describe panic as having a feeling of doom. They generally come without warning and may be triggered by a number of reasons, which vary from one individual to the next. The general causes, however, include being involved in a frightening or life-threatening situation. Panic attacks may also be triggered by fear or having to face an old trauma from childhood. If there’s one good thing that is brought about by a panic attack, it is the fact that the physical manifestations of the attacks are a form of survival mode when you’re in life-threatening situations. For example, if you are being robbed or being hounded by unscrupulous individuals, you will feel that adrenaline rush to run for your life (your survival instincts) as a result of the fear from the panic attacks.
What Happens to Your Mind and Body
So what is it that actually happens to your mind and body during a panic attack? The symptoms prior to the attack and what happens during the attack itself varies from individual to individual, but any of the following can occur:
- difficulty in swallowing
- dizziness or lightheaded
- experiencing an intense feeling of fear or dread that is usually overwhelming
- feeling that what is happening is not real
- sweaty and clammy hands
- the need to urinate
- increased heart rate and palpitations
- loss of color
- red or flushed face
According to the American Psychological Association, the symptoms of a panic attack last for about 30 minutes, although the attack itself occurs for 15 seconds or so. For some individuals, panic attacks can last much longer, even hours in the worst of cases.
Overcoming Panic Attacks
Now that you already have a basic idea about what happens before and during a panic attack, what are the things that can be done towards overcoming panic attacks? The rule of thumb to follow is that these attacks are normal, especially if you are faced with a life-threatening situation. However, for those who do have regular bouts of anxiety that leads to panic disorders, information is the key to overcoming panic attacks. Determine what the trigger to your panic attack is and learn how to control and calm yourself through it. Learning about breathing and relaxation exercises; monitoring your panic triggers; using natural remedies; and undergoing exposure therapy with the help of a professional are some of the ways of overcoming these debilitating attacks.
At the end of the day, overcoming panic attacks is all a matter of turning off that “switch” that gets stuck in the on position in your mind and body whenever you are in the panic mode.
Overcoming panic attacks, as well as anxiety, is possible by learning as much information as you can about this type of disorder, and seeking the help of a medical professional if necessary.
