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  Panic Attacks

We all have the experience of feeling anxious from time to time.
Perhaps before an exam  or interview.  Although it may not be pleasant it usually only lasts a short period of time and we can cope with it.   We may also feel anxious over a difficult or dangerous situation - this is normal.  For some people though, anxiety can be a frightening experience that causes problems in their lives.  In a severe form it can lead to feelings of panic and excessive worrying and being unable to control upsetting or disturbed thoughts.

Anxiety is described as a feeling of discomfort or unease - if it continues for a long time it can affect the ability to cope with everyday life.

Anxiety brings with it physical change.
Sweating, racing heart, rapid breathing, feeling of  butterflies  in the stomach.
These changes are caused by physical changes in the body. It is the release of adrenaline that causes these feelings - this is usually released when you are in danger and the body prepares to run or fight.

It also is caused by stress - in a sense anxiety is a fear or worry projected into the future - anxiety is a fear of something that has not happened yet.

Did you know?
Emotional states like anger and fear produce chemical changes in the body.
These can cause us to act or think in ways we may not usually.  To reduce this effect it is important to spend time relaxing and de-stressing - this changes the chemical balance within us to a more harmonious state.

Panic attacks are sudden overwhelming sense of anxiety.
Fast breathing, racing heart and a feeling that you are going to collapse and faint - people having a panic attack are usually very aware of the slightest changes in their body and they think that they are dangerous changes - for example a person having a panic attack may notice their heartbeat speeding up and think they are having a heart attack.  People who have panic attacks may be anxious about losing control of their bodies.