A panic attack is a sudden and intense feeling of anxiety, which is often indicative of an underlying anxiety disorder. Panic attacks are of great concern to people forced to face them and affect about 20% of the adult population (60 million people) in the United States. Approximately 2% of the population is diagnosed (3 million people) with a legitimate panic disorder.
Who is the Sufferer Most?
- Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a panic disorder as men.
Most people experience their first panic attacks during their youth, during the late teen years when the body and its functions and thoughts are most unfamiliar. The unexpected and seemingly unprovoked nature of some panic attacks separates them from typical panic disorders, which are more easily identified and treated. This threat of sudden attack leaves those who suffer from panic attacks even more anxious.
- A panic attack can even strike elementary aged children.
Although the number of children who are influenced by these episodes is quite low, the threat is present and parents should be aware of their child’s potential anxiety. Boys and girls share the risk for panic disorders equally.
When Can Panic Attack happen?
Panic attacks are sudden and can often seemingly uncased, coming at unexpected moments even when dealing with familiar environments. Driving across a bridge, flying, reaching the top of a tall building, being in a crowd or riding an elevator are just a few common examples of where people experience panic attacks. Once an attack comes in one of these environments, it is hard to feel safe in them again. This generates an unfounded anxiety toward a particular place or action and discourages any future activity of that kind.
The anxiety about approaching these events often becomes so intense that the sufferer worries about worrying about the activity, and a dangerous cycle of anxiety is started which can cripple even the most strong willed, forcing them to stay indoors and making life miserable.
The Possible Causes of Panic Attack
- Panic attacks are mostly caused by heredity, and often the disorder runs in a family.
It is also possible that people with no family history of panic disorders may suddenly find themselves stricken with the disorder. Particular parenting styles may influence a child to have panic attacks in the future. Parents who are excessively careful and cautious will find that their children develop unfounded fears.
- Studies have found that those who lack assertiveness—the willingness to take action in the face of uncertainty—are more likely to develop panic attacks. When dealing with other people, a fear of hurt feelings or violation of formalities may develop into a panic disorder, with the sufferer feeling trapped and unable to communicate their problems effectively.
- Emotional strife also contributes to panic attacks. If a person is dealing with an overwhelming level of stress due to relationship trouble or financial woes, they are more likely to have an unexpected panic attack.
How To Stop It?
It has been an unsolved problem over the years that How to stop a panic attack quickly. Panic attack cures are multifaceted and one solution may not fit for everyone. Due to the often unprovoked and mysterious nature of panic disorders, it is important to keep a holistic view of your body and mind while considering all potential options for treatment. Ultimately the solution is found within yourself, and in order to make progress against anxiety disorders means acknowledging the problem and taking steps to make you better.
- It is important to remember each day to set aside time for relaxation and fun.
It can be incredibly stressful to focus on work all the time, and this is an unhealthy way to live your life. Take a few minutes to do something you really enjoy every day. This simple step will serve as a reminder that you are a living individual with specific preferences and needs.
- Talk to your friends and family frequently. Make a point to meet new people every day.
One of the most effective panic attack cures is to talk specifically and deliberately with another person. Often our friends and family will contribute ideas to us that we had not previously thought possible. Our limited perceptions limit us to a biased way of thinking, and communicating with people who have a legitimate concern for your well-being can often be a very enlightening experience.
- Eat healthy foods and maintain a healthy body.
This means regular exercise and some kind of diet plan. This does not have to be hard, as exercise is a normal part of human activity. Regular exercise creates a routine for yourself, and adhering to this routine enables a sense of continuity in your life. Also, exercise focuses your mind away from its normal concerns and concentrates the mind on the bodily action of motion. Getting fit feels good and improves your image as well, which is a major part of being confident.
- Cook for yourself with simple ingredients.
This is an effective way to ensure a satisfying and fun day. It is also cheaper to cook for yourself than it is relying on buying prepared meals every day. Often buying fast food or prepared meals is incredibly unhealthy and should be avoided.
- Getting enough sleep is a very important part of healthy living as well.
It is hard to live life with 100% effectiveness if you are acting on minimal sleep. Take this important step and set aside enough time to sleep every night.
- Manage your time and figure out what is most important in your life.
Panic attack cures mean taking the reins in your life. There is not enough time in the day to do all the things we want to do, so figuring out what we enjoy the most is an important step in living a stress-free life. If we feel obligated to do undesirable activities, our anxieties will be compounded and the possibility of panic attack is increased. Taking responsibility for your life is hard to do, but it is part of many panic attack cures.