If you’ve ever had a panic attack, you’ll know that feeling of terror: the racing heart, sweating, difficult breathing, and an unreal disconnected feeling (1). It feels like you’re going crazy and it’s terrible!
For some people, a panic attack feels like a heart attack (1). I knew a lady who was so convinced she was dying from a heart attack, she called the ambulance (twice) and insisted on full diagnostic tests, but nothing was found. She was suffering from panic attacks.
Panic attacks happen to one in four Australians at some point in their life (2). The good news is, few people experience a repeated attack, and fewer still develop a panic disorder or agoraphobia. However, females are three times more likely to suffer from this condition.
The good news is that panic attacks are treatable (3).
What is a panic attack?
Panic attacks are distinct episodes of high anxiety – terrifying, uncontrollable and powerful. They usually reach a peak within ten minutes (1).
Panic attacks are related to anxiety – worry that something might happen – rather than a real fear about an object (like a spider that might bite) (3). The terror feels real, but it is usually imagined. The perceived threat will not kill you. This is important to remember.
There are three main types of attack:
- Unexpected attacks – triggered from nothing, about the smallest, weirdest things. These might even occur during sleep.
- Cued or situational attacks – usually occurring immediately in the presence of, or in an anticipated feared situation, such as anxiety about a new work role, worry about managing a difficult situation, an upcoming speech, or turning up to an event alone.
- Situationally predisposed panic attacks – are likely to occur after the event has happened (3).
After a panic attack most people feel exhausted, confused and very worried. Sometimes they feel ashamed, especially when the panic attack occurs in public and they feel out of control (4).
It’s a good idea to consult your doctor about the panic-like symptoms.
If no medical conditions are contributing, then most people look for possible causes of the attacks. But this is where further disorders can develop and become detrimental.
We might start to avoid situations that trigger another panic attack, such as avoiding public transport because: “I had a panic attack last time I was on a crowded train. Crowds on trains cause me to panic. Therefore, I should avoid trains.” This leads to superstitious behaviours, which is not the life God wants for people.
What can I do if I suffer from panic attacks?
- Recognise that panic attacks are treatable and not life threatening. Often it is anxiety about another unexpected attack.
- Consider whether you might be naturally more vulnerable to anxiety and distressed by it (3). This is nothing to be ashamed of or worried about.
- Think about what’s happening in your life. Have there been unexpected changes or pressures that need to be addressed? The genesis of the trouble may be due to unresolved past experiences that have cropped up again.
- Consider ‘talking’ therapies such as counselling, which can be very effective for the treatment of panic disorder (3).
I’ve found people gain significant help by talking to someone objective and removed from the situation. This therapy can help you understand and modify your thinking towards these feared situations (using exposure-based cognitive-behavioural therapy), to master the fear triggering the panic.
Perhaps it’s time for you to confront the fear and experience free-living again. If you need someone to talk to about the first steps, please give me a call.
References:
- Kitchener, B. A., Jorm, A. F., & Kelly, C. M. (2013). Mental health first aid manual. (3rd Ed.). Melbourne: Mental Health First Aid Australia.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.
- Benner, D. G., & Hill, P. C. (1999). Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology & Counselling (2nd Ed.). Michigan. Baker Books.
- www.beyondblue.org.au
