With panic attacks being as scary as they are, there are many questions commonly asked about them In this posting we’ll go over the top 5.

First, exactly what is a panic attack? It is how your body responds to extreme mental stress. The mind feels that the horrible event you fear has already happened if you picture it or think about it enough. Symptoms consist of difficulty breathing and chest pain, perspiring, racing heart, clammy palms, tingling, dizziness or lightheadedness, and worry of impending doom. You won’t necessarily have all of these symptoms. A few are secondary symptoms. What I mean by this is that breathing problems, for example, can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness.

Next, what causes panic attacks? There are rarely physical problems that are leading to these attacks. By focusing on something worrisome, your body tenses. By holding such things in your focus regularly, you are far more likely to have a panic attack. Some fears that lead to higher states of anxiety you are consciously aware of at the time, but the ones you live with day to day and aren’t the focus of the panic attack itself can also be contributing factors.

Third, what should you do throughout your panic attacks? By realizing you’re about to have one early on, you can prevent it from happening. Your thoughts are patterned, and once interrupted you won’t have to have the attack any more. To interrupt the pattern, do something completely out of the ordinary for the moment. You can laugh, make crazy noises or gestures, or find a way to embarrass yourself to stop it. Laughter is my favorite, but it often requires help, so keep access to funny comedians on your mp3 player or phone. Have fun making up your own. Choose your favorites and use them or mix them. You may not like some options, but try them anyway. You can’t be both fearful and embarrassed at the same time. But if you don’t catch it early enough, realize that no matter how bad it feels, you’ll be fine and it will be over soon.

Fourth, what can you do to prevent panic attacks? Prevention exists in a mixture of physical and mental readiness. You can exercise, sleep plenty, and eat correctly in order to lessen the stress on your body and mind. Some substances such as caffeine and alcohol can actually trigger attacks. These tricks will lead to fewer panic attacks and more self control. That is extremely important. Gaining discipline as well as a positive outlook through a healthier body allows you to better face the underlying problems, which are your fears. Once you’ve overcome your primary day to day fears you will be done with panic attacks for good.

Fifth, what is your fastest treatment option? This is dependent on the individual. Some can rapidly overcome fears given the right help and tools, and that is a permanent solution. Pills are almost instant, but they should never be used as a complete solution. They are not a cure, they merely cover up the problems. Sometimes you can have a panic attack even on the medication, though far less common. If you don’t deal with the underlying problem you will always have to be on the pills. This will deal a blow to your overall health as well as your bank account. You’ll feel so much better knowing you can walk around and be just fine without any additional aid.

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