Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Panic Disorders are different things but anyone who has suffered from any of these categories doesn’t really care; they just want to overcome the problem.
“A panic attack is a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort that is associated with numerous somatic and cognitive symptoms (DSM-IV). These symptoms include palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, sensations of choking or smothering, chest pain, nausea or gastrointestinal distress, dizziness or light-headedness, tingling sensations, and chills or blushing and “hot flashes.”
The attack typically has an abrupt onset, building to maximum intensity within 10 to 15 minutes. Most people report a fear of dying, “going crazy,” or losing control of emotions or behaviour. The experiences generally provoke a strong urge to escape or flee the place where the attack begins and, when associated with chest pain or shortness of breath, frequently results in seeking aid from a hospital emergency room or other type of urgent assistance. Yet an attack rarely lasts longer than 30 minutes. “(Barlow, 1988; Klerman et al., 1991).
I have known people that suffer and have suffered from such onsets and find it hard to believe that few of them ever try yoga, meditation or other now very popular and proven stress reducing strategies; I guess it’s because they don’t know anyone sufficiently experienced in this field that they trust.
What prompted me to write about this, was that I had coffee last week with someone from my past, whom I have known for many years. Now although these sorts of attacks seem to be more prevalent with women as a general rule this person was a man.
He was out of shape, does not exercise and never feels it necessary to meditate, do yoga, Pilates, reflect or contemplate his life. The consequent result is that he takes medication.
What I always find strange is that people can take medication without ever for one minute thinking that something is wrong with their inner world.
I am not a doctor but do know many that have gone beyond medication to a more healthy approach to living. They have told me that they knew that they were not so beyond help that ONLY medication will work.
For those others, always seek medical help or psychiatric assistance, then when you feel you are strong enough mentally and emotionally try other alternatives.
Image Credit: FreeImages.com/Vinicius Sgarbe.jpg
Chris Borrett
If by chance, you have not encountered my previous posts outside this blog, one of my favourites is about “A Woman’s Labour of Love.” You have the luxury of reading it by clicking here.