The exact cause of a panic attack is not fully known. What is known however is that the sufferer of a panic attack undergoes real, frightening physical changes within their body.
Generally the first and often most distressing sign of a panic attack is an increased heartbeat which causes a chain reaction of other symptoms. There is a tightening in the chest as the lungs do not expand adequately enough to allow for normal depths of breath which enforces rapid breathing. The shallow, quickened breaths cause a tingling in the hands and feet. The oxygen the stomach requires is instead supplying the arms and legs leaving the sufferer nauseated. Because the brain is also receiving less than it's required amount of oxygen, there is a feeling of light-headedness and vertigo. (Take note, however, that the reduced supply of oxygen in the brain is just enough to produce these symptoms but does not cause any permanent brain damage.). Because the heart is pumping more blood to the muscles, the body temperature increases and the skin breaks out in a sweat. Following this episode, there are a number of other possible symptoms such as fatigue, dry mouth and diarrhea.
I remember my first panic attack started out of the blue and exactly as described above. Being of general good health physically and mentally and having never experienced such an episode prior to this, I was baffled after the diagnosis. Yes, there were certain factors in my life causing me stress, but always having a general positive outlook I felt I was able to cope well. I learned however that stress can manifest physically in different ways and this was how my body chose to deal with it. At the time, I was confident it would not continue to be a concern as my doctor gave me a prescription for medication to help. Like antibiotics resolve an infection, I figured this was the answer. But instead, I was shocked at how my performance and overall demeanor was affected by the medication. In short, I wasn't ME anymore. I could barely function and I was now experiencing life through a foggy filter; not quite sensing everything to its fullest. I did not want this! I almost preferred the fear from panic attacks because at least I was feeling something!
Unsatisfied with this alternate state of existence I decided to search for natural alternatives. I spent countless hours researching valuable information. Tips about understanding anxiety attacks, recognition of symptoms, triggers, diet, mental strategies all aided me in putting together an action plan. And this information is a valuable tool in living panic attack free. But more importantly I learned there are natural, drug and therapy free methods that truly work in eliminating panic attacks and therefore it is possible to live without fear and experience a higher quality of life.
Generally the first and often most distressing sign of a panic attack is an increased heartbeat which causes a chain reaction of other symptoms. There is a tightening in the chest as the lungs do not expand adequately enough to allow for normal depths of breath which enforces rapid breathing. The shallow, quickened breaths cause a tingling in the hands and feet. The oxygen the stomach requires is instead supplying the arms and legs leaving the sufferer nauseated. Because the brain is also receiving less than it's required amount of oxygen, there is a feeling of light-headedness and vertigo. (Take note, however, that the reduced supply of oxygen in the brain is just enough to produce these symptoms but does not cause any permanent brain damage.). Because the heart is pumping more blood to the muscles, the body temperature increases and the skin breaks out in a sweat. Following this episode, there are a number of other possible symptoms such as fatigue, dry mouth and diarrhea.
I remember my first panic attack started out of the blue and exactly as described above. Being of general good health physically and mentally and having never experienced such an episode prior to this, I was baffled after the diagnosis. Yes, there were certain factors in my life causing me stress, but always having a general positive outlook I felt I was able to cope well. I learned however that stress can manifest physically in different ways and this was how my body chose to deal with it. At the time, I was confident it would not continue to be a concern as my doctor gave me a prescription for medication to help. Like antibiotics resolve an infection, I figured this was the answer. But instead, I was shocked at how my performance and overall demeanor was affected by the medication. In short, I wasn't ME anymore. I could barely function and I was now experiencing life through a foggy filter; not quite sensing everything to its fullest. I did not want this! I almost preferred the fear from panic attacks because at least I was feeling something!
Unsatisfied with this alternate state of existence I decided to search for natural alternatives. I spent countless hours researching valuable information. Tips about understanding anxiety attacks, recognition of symptoms, triggers, diet, mental strategies all aided me in putting together an action plan. And this information is a valuable tool in living panic attack free. But more importantly I learned there are natural, drug and therapy free methods that truly work in eliminating panic attacks and therefore it is possible to live without fear and experience a higher quality of life.