You would be surprised at how many people visit the emergency room because of a heart attack when the reality is they are only experiencing a panic attack. That will give you an idea of how intense the symptoms of a panic attack can be.

First let's look at the different physical symptoms that indicate you might be having a panic attack.

Shortness of breath

Trembling or shaking

Sweating

Tightness of the chest

Inability to focus or sit still

Chills or hot flashes

Not only do people experience physical symptoms with panic attacks, but there are psychological symptoms as well. Here is a list of the most common psychological symptoms people experience when having a panic attack or experience while expecting a panic attack to happen:

Fear of losing control

Fear of dying

Agoraphobia or fear of public places

Feelings of unreality

Depression

Potential tendency to turn to substance abuse

For people dealing with recurring panic attacks it can be difficult for family members or loved ones to fully understand what you are going through if they have never experienced a panic attack before.

Sometimes you may feel like you are forced to face the panic attacks alone because your closest friends and family may think you are simply trying to get attention or may quickly lose patience with you because they don't see it as a big problem.

It's important to understand that you are not alone in your dealings with panic attacks or anxiety disorder. Many people commonly experience these types of symptoms throughout their lives. Some more than others, but you are not as alone as you may think you are when dealing with these type of problems.

Rest assured panic attacks are not as life threatening as some people think them to be. The cure for panic attacks lies in how you handle the panic attack symptoms. Controlling your thoughts is the key to controlling the power the symptoms have over your mind and body.

If you are unsure whether or not the symptoms are from a panic attack it is a good idea to visit your doctor to get checked out. Even if you are absolutely sure you are experiencing a panic attack it doesn't hurt to have a doctor investigate the symptoms you are experiencing.

Most importantly remember that panic attacks can be treated without the use of medication, and most people just need someone to help guide them in the right direction.

Copyright (c) 2008 Steven Magill