What Is A Panic Attack?
If you have ever experienced a Panic Attack, then you are all too familiar with the feelings of heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, numbness and tingling, tightening in your chest, afraid you are dying or the feeling of losing control, dizziness or a choking sensation. These are all symptoms of a Panic Attack.
While the various symptoms of a panic attack may feel that the body is failing, it is in fact protecting itself from harm. The various symptoms of a panic attack can be understood as follows. First, there is frequently (but not always) the sudden onset of fear with little provoking stimulus. This leads to a release of adrenaline (epinephrine) which brings about the so-called fight-or-flight response wherein the person’s body prepares for strenuous physical activity. This leads to an increased heart rate (tachycardia), rapid breathing (hyperventilation) which may be perceived as shortness of breath (dyspnea), and sweating (which increases grip and aids heat loss). Because strenuous activity rarely ensues, the hyperventilation leads to a drop in carbon dioxide levels in the lungs and then in the blood. This leads to shifts in blood pH (respiratory alkalosis or hypocapnia), which in turn can lead to many other symptoms, such as tingling or numbness, dizziness, burning and lightheadedness. Moreover, the release of adrenaline during a panic attack causes vasoconstriction resulting in slightly less blood flow to the head which causes dizziness and lightheadedness. A panic attack can cause blood sugar to be drawn away from the brain and towards the major muscles. It is also possible for the person experiencing such an attack to feel as though they are unable to catch their breath, and they begin to take deeper breaths, which also acts to decrease carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Stop Having Panic Attacks Now!
Panic Attacks can be treated in different ways. I went to therapy for a while to try to get to the “root” of my panic attacks. I also tried this route first because I did not want to take medication. The thought of having to take medication just to function on a daily basis was just as frightening as the panic attacks. It turns out I did go on medication for a while. I did not like the side effects. I gained a lot of weight, my blood pressure went way up and I had to start taking medication for that. I wanted to put an end to all the drugs. I heard of a program called Panic Away. At first I was very skeptical but I convinced myself to give it a try. What did I have to lose? It is absolutely amazing. It works! I am no longer on medication for the anxiety and panic attacks, my blood pressure went down as a result of that and I am losing the weight I put on. And to top all of that, NOT ONE PANIC ATTACK!
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