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Panic & anxiety attacks are a physiological state that is caused by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). SNS is always active at the base level (called sympathetic tone) and becomes more active in stressful situations.

Have you ever watched a horror movie where the potential victim is running through the thicket trying to escape? They never do, of course, because that’s what makes the movie. But, for that few minutes the victim’s body is operating in a hypersensitive mode as they run for their life. Imagine feeling like running for your life all the time. This is a glimpse into the world of panic attacks & anxiety attacks.

Symptoms of panic attacks

The body is an amazing machine. It responds to various stimuli almost without the use of our conscious mind. Stories are reported of people displaying super human strength when a family member is trapped under a car, or in a situation where death may be imminent if they do not find a way out. This is called the fight or flight response.

With Panic & anxiety attacks your adrenaline gets pumped through the veins at a high rate of speed. The pupils dilate so that you can see more sharply.

The heart races pumping blood to the extremities, which prepares you to run for your life.

For people who have panic & anxiety attacks it’s a case of  a fight or flight response is a feeling like no other. The body is preparing itself to react quickly to whatever the encroaching danger is.

You may need to use your arms and legs to defend yourself (fight) or you may need to run (flight).

Suffering a Panic Attack

Now, imagine feeling that way for no apparent, visible reason. It is like your body is on high alert with no explanation, and no resulting a fight or flight necessary. This is what happens to those who suffer from panic attacks & anxiety attacks. In a nutshell, it can be described as an overreaction to a particular situation or event, especially when no menace is present. The body begins to respond just like it does when you are in a real danger situation.

Panic & anxiety attacks can come on suddenly, without warning. Many who experience one for the first time believe  they are having a heart attack. This may be a logical conclusion given the symptoms. A person who is unfamiliar with the symptoms of a panic & anxiety attack may believe, and with good reason, that they are in the throes of a heart attack, stroke, and certain death when they experience one.

A panic & anxiety attack may last ten minutes or even longer. It all depends on the stimulating event and how quickly it passes. But, that short period of time can seem like forever when you are not sure what is happening to you. In the United States as many as 20 percent of adults will have a panic or anxiety attack in their lifetime. That is around 60 million people who will experience this heightened state of physical alert when there is no real danger around them.

The effects of a panic attack

A Panic & anxiety attack can be a disabling event especially when you don’t know what it is. The body goes into defense mode for what seems to be no apparent reason. Panic & anxiety attacks are frightening. If you believe you are having a panic & anxiety attack, but are not sure, call for help. The most important thing your doctor will do is make sure you are not experiencing a heart attack or other physical ailment. With proper knowledge, and  treatment, panic and anxiety attacks can be dealt with successfully so you can rest assured that you will be alright. Below are your support groups across America find your City….

Local Anxiety & Panic Attack Support Groups Across The USA