Panic Anxiety Attacks
Panic anxiety attacks come on quite suddenly and usually for no apparent reason. A panic attack can be a terrifying experience making the sufferer think they are going to die, having a heart attack, going insane, or out of control.
During an attack the body's response to a perceived threat is exaggerated. Adrenaline is produced to aid the body for "fight or flight" so it can deal with the danger even though the mind cannot pinpoint any danger. Attacks can even occur while you are sleeping and you wake up feeling scared to death.
These attacks can happen anywhere at any time - in bed, driving a car, cooking dinner, or shopping. Most people will only experience one or two attacks during their life time. Others will continue having them from time to time and some will have them as often as once or twice a week.
It is important to see your doctor if you are having recurring panic attacks because the symptoms of a panic attack can be caused by something else. For instance, chest pain could be caused by anxiety but it could also be caused by a problem with the heart. Other medical conditions need to be ruled out before assumming the symptoms are actually caused by a panic attack.
When your physician determines that you are actually having panic attacks, he may recommend counselling, put you on medication, recommend a change in diet and a change of life style. These can all be good but if you do not want to take prescribed medication there are other things you can do to help yourself.
Symptoms of Panic Attack
- Rapid heart beat
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Trembling
- Feeling light headed or dizzy
- Feeling sick to the stomach
- Stomach pain
- A feeling of unrealness
- Tingling
- Feeling chilled
- Hot flashes
- Dry mouth<
Causes of Panic Anxiety Attacks
Each individual is different and there are so many factors that can contribute to a person having a panic attack that it is difficult to determine exactly what did it. It is believed that the propensity to have these attacks is inherited but there are many, many people who suffer from attacks that have no family history of the disorder.
For some people the cause may be post traumatic stress syndrome. For others it is the conditions brought about by going through a divorce or the death of a loved one. Some medications such as Ritalin can cause a panic attack when first taking the drug. It is possible that a deficiency of the B vitamins may be a contributing factor. Stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine may be a factor for some people.
Once a person has experienced one panic attack, they may fear having another one. This fear in itself may turn what is actually an anxious moment into a full-blown panic attack. People who have agoraphobia or fear of open places may have a panic attack when in this kind of situation. The same goes for people who have a phobia about snakes, spiders, dogs, etc.
It is believed that people who suffer repeated panic attacks have a higher level of round-the-clock general anxiety than people who never have attacks.
Natural Remedies for Panic Attacks
Any herb that helps to calm nerves and reduce anxiety may be used to prevent attacks. These herbs can be made into a tea or taken in tablet or capsule form. Using the essential oils of these herbs in aromatherapy will also have a calming affect.
Herbs to reduce anxiousness:
- Passion Flower
- Chamomile
- Lime Blossom
- Damiana
- Skullcap
- Cowslip
- Dogwood
- Valerian
- Hawthorn
- Motherwort
- Lavender
Be sure to check with your physician or pharmacist first if you are taking other medication before using these herbs for panic anxiety attacks. Herbs can interact negatively with some medications.
Exercise is recommended for keeping stress levels down. Yoga is particularly good for relaxation. A Vitamin B-50 complex supplement should be taken. Eat 2 to 3 bananas a day for their potassium content.
