Normally the first time you experience anything like this it will catch you by surprise. You may break out in a sweat, begin to feel heart palpitations, tingling hands, your mind and thoughts are racing out of control, and you feel like your coming unglued. You may feel the urge to run from the situation and the more you think about what's happening, the more you become panicked. You may feel hot flashes.
You normally feel like you may be going crazy. You may be completely terrified.when there is actually no danger around.
If you have had any experience with this at all, you may well recognize some of what I just described as a panic attack, or anxiety attack. It may be triggered by a real event such as being stuck in an elevator, or being in a very tightly crowded space, or some other circumstance. However, a major problem is that many times the darn thing doesn't seem to be triggered by anything. It seems to come out of the blue grabbing you from behind and taking you on an emotional ride that you have no desire to take.
"Oh, good grief, Greg, you're talking about some crazy people now." Nope. Not the case. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in any given year almost two and a half million people can have panic disorder. And these are people from all walks of life. But, as I see the trend continue, I wonder how many thousands or millions more deal with this disorder and are embarrassed to let it be known. Therefore, I believe the numbers could be substantially higher.
Well, it was a long time ago when I had my last full on anxiety attack. But, I can remember those things well. I remember the terror of those intense moments, not understanding what was going on, but just being afraid - fear like you can't imagine - and you don't know why. Then, what's worse is that you spend many days, weeks, or months fearing that it will occur again at any time.
You live in fear and dread of that moment. It's the type of thing that may keep people in their homes more and keep them from engaging in the fun social events that they should be attending. If for nothing else, that's the very reason that you should do everything in your power not to let panic or anxiety win in your life.
The good news is that you can. There is more information, more study, more medications, and more research on anxiety and panic attacks now than ever before. If you find yourself experiencing anxiety attacks or any condition of anxiety, don't settle to live with that nemesis. See your doctor. If necessary talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist. But don't give into it. Too many times the embarrassment that can come with panic attacks or any kind of anxiety disorder can keep someone from getting the proper help, and they hide it. That's the worse thing to do.
Make a decision that you will not live bound by the chains of any sort of anxiety disorder. You don't have to. We've mentioned that there is much help to be found. There are also ministers who can help in this area. Just remember that millions of other people share your fears and frustrations of anxiety. And also, please know that you don't have to put up with this aggravation for the remainder of your life.
Don't live a quality of life that is less than what it should be because of the nemesis of anxiety and/or panic. Get help. Do what is necessary and don't give up. Put your foot down and don't allow anxiety to rob you of incredibly great times to come in your life. You can win!
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