Recognizing Panic Attacs

Do you suffer from stress or anxiety?
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Congratulations on finding this panic attacs page -- I am assuming you were really looking for information on panic attacks. Well, if so, you have come to the right place. Christian Counseling Online is your resource for information on panic attacs, as well as panic attacks! We're glad you found us and hope we can be of some help to you...

Panic Attack Signs and Symptoms

Panic disorder like other mental and emotional health issues can be mild or major. Panic attacks may occur one time a year or up to multiple times a day. Here are some facts about panic attacs ...

1. They generally peak in approximately 10 minutes and can, but don't often, last for several hours.

2. Panic attacks are the number one mental health problem for women.

3. They may have a sudden onset

4. Panic attacks are discrete periods of intense fear and anxiety that seem to come "out of the blue."

5. They cause both psychological and physical discomfort.

Some examples of panic attack symptoms are...

Derealization or depersonalization
Discomfort or pain in chest
Feeling like you're choking
Feeling like you're going crazy
Nausea or abdominal discomfort
Heart palpitations or racing heart
Think you're going to die
Sense of impending doom
Trembling or shaking
Shortness of breath
Sweating/hot flushes
Tingling sensations/numbness

Panic attacs is only a symptom of panic disorder. Many people have panic attacks, but may not necessarily have panic disorder. There are various types of anxiety disorders of which panic attacks may be a symptom. Therefore knowing the symptoms of a panic attack is not enough...

Help for Your Panic Attack Symptoms

Because a panic attac is consider a symptom and not a disorder it is important to get a professional diagnosis. Your diagnosis is what will determine the best course of treatment for you.

If you need help for panic attack symptoms and you're not sure who to contact, click here for a Christian Counselor in your area....

Your family doctor may also be able to confirm the panic attack symptoms and to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to the panic symptoms.

Additionally, since stress can bring on panic attacks and other emotional problems, take inventory of any significant life changes that have occurred over the last 6 months. Look at changes in circumstances, relationships, health, finances etc. and be prepared to share these with your counselor or doctor.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Don't wait, get help for your anxiety

One of the biggest reasons people do not seek help is because of the shame they feel concerning the idea of having a mental illness. The reality is that our minds are vulnerable to illness just like our bodies. There is no shame in developing the flu or some other medical condition, so why is there with the mind?

Don't be like the cripple at the pool of Bethesda. He needed help, but he was unwilling to accept any personal responsibility for helping himself.

Counseling Can Help

A counselor can help a person gain perspective about their illness, resolve problems that may be contributing to the panic attac symptoms and assist the person in developing coping skills to manage the anxiety.

However, in addition to counseling, medication may also be a treatment option. You can discuss this with your counselor, who can then refer you to a psychiatrist to prescribe and manage the necessary medication. Medication can have a significant effect on lessening the panic attack symptoms.

Relief is available for difficulties that disturb our peace of mind. For help in locating a counselor near you click here.

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