Panic Attacks

Ever have a sudden panic attack for no apparent reason? It can be a frightening experience for anyone.

Fear is a negative, emotional response to something that frightens us and the trigger behind panic attacks.

There are times when a person having a panic attack, does not know what he or she is afraid of.

For example, a man gets off the elevator on the fifteenth floor of a building and suddenly freezes mentally, emotionally and physically. He does not know why. Maybe he is experiencing a weird sensation related to the sudden change in elevation, but perhaps it has more to do with the reality of fear related to his pending job interview.

Fear is a protective mechanism that functions in our thought processes.

Three normal reactions to fear are fight, flight and paralysis. Depending upon the level of fear that we experience, it can warn us, protect us or result in paralysis leading to non-action.

Panic attacks result when fear becomes overwhelming, for whatever reason.

For example, an infant can experience a panic attack, when his or her parents turn off the light and leave the room. While there is really nothing for him or her to be afraid of, he or she senses a change in his or her environment.

A young child can panic when he or she sees a puppy coming towards him or her, as harmless as that puppy may be. Perhaps it is the movement that triggers his or her fear.

An older child may panic when he or she has to cross the street, even though there is no oncoming traffic. He or she may be recalling a previous, negative experience. A teenager can panic when he or she is confronted with a blind date, knowing that he or she is not ready to date yet.

A parent can have a panic attack, if suddenly a child is missing from his or her bed, even if that child is still in the room. An elderly patient may panic if he or she does not recognize his or her surroundings, or cannot find something.

It is important to recognize the difference between legitimate fears and non-legitimate fears, when it comes to panic attacks.

Mentally, we can understand the difference, as our thought processes are able to sort through what is going on in our minds, at any moment in time. Trusting our instincts and judgements is always important.

"Do not fear."

Some suggest that this is 'angel talk', but it is something to think about when experiencing a panic attack for whatever reason.

Recognize legitimate fears and those that are not and then re-act accordingly. Do not panic.