What Is Panic Disorder?

Panic attacks, they happen to a lot of us once or twice during our lifetime.

What if once or twice becomes more frequent though…

That familiar god awful tightening of the chest is starting again. My head is feeling all light; I’m feeling really dizzy now too. I really don’t feel like I’m connected to anything right now if that makes sense the world is continuing on like everything is just normal and I’m stuck in my own little pocket of life if that’s what you call it, disconnected like I’m invisible but the centre of attention somehow. Does anyone else understand? Oh noplease no – there surely isn’t any oxygen in the air; I’m struggling to get any air in my lungs.  I don’t want this to happen not here not now.

This is too familiar. These feelings of having no control, not being able to get through the day or week without the pounding heart and sweaty palms.

Many people, as many as 5 percent of all Australians, will experience a panic attack once or twice in their lives. As scary and confronting as this can be, it is relatvely normal. Not everyone that experiences a panic attack will develop a panic disorder.

Panic disorder, which is a type of anxiety disorder, is a term to describe when these attacks are recurrant and often disabling. It is a serious condition that can strike without warning or reason.

When experiencing a panic attack, the fear response is generally out of proportion to the situation, there may be feelings of terror when there is no actual danger. The panic attacks can become recurring and disabling for the individual. Over time, the panic disorder can develop with the individual living with a constant fear of another panic attack occuring. This constant worry can impact daily functioning and the overall quality of life.

Panic disorder can be characterised by

• Recurring and random, out of the blue panic attacks;
• Worrying for a month after having a panic attack about the possibility of another attack occurring;
• Worrying about the health implications or consequence of the panic attack the belief that there is an underlying medical condition or problem which is causing these attacks; or
• Significant changes in the individual’s behaviour as a result of the panic attacks, such as ceasing physical activity due to this increasing the heart rate. It can be confronting and scary to even consider putting more pressure on an already racing heart.

Living with a Panic Disorder can severely inhibit simple daily rituals that were taken for granted prior to this disorder. Some that develop panic disorder get to the point they cannot leave their homes, due to the fear of an attack occurring.

Panic Disorder What causes it?

While there is no single cause for panic disorder, there are a number of factors which can contribute to the development of this condition. These can be environmental and biological.

• Family History

Those who experience Panic Disorder often have a family history of anxiety disorders or depressive illnesses. This does not mean that a person will develop anxiety automatically if a parent or close relative has had a mental health condition.

• Biological

There are some medical conditions (cardiac arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and irritable bowel syndrome) which are associated with panic disorder.

• Negative life experiences

Extreme times of stress, for example, abuse suffered as a child, redundancy and other major life. Transitions, such as the death of a loved one can be linked to panic attacks.

What can I do to get help? I just want this feeling to end!

There are many health professionals and services available to help with information, support and treatment. There are two main types of treatment for panic disorder which are psychological treatment and in more severe cases, medication. Seeking assistance from a qualified therapist to help you work through your problems can help ease panic attacks by develping coping skills specific to you that can help you gain greater control over your life. There are also E-Therapies or online therapies are available which can be benificial for those with mild to moderate anxiety.

Speak to your medical practitioner to discuss the best option available for your individual needs. Some therapy sessions can be subsidised through your doctor at no cost to you.

What can I do to help myself during a panic attack?

• Take slow deep breaths.
• Stretch your body or yawn.
• Focus on a nearby solid object which you can hold or sit down on if necessary.
• Important keep reminding yourself this panic attack will pass. They always do. You will be ok.

How can I even recover from Panic Disorder?

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep and exercise regularly.
• Cut back on caffeine and /or alcohol
• Identify situations that may trigger a response, and develop strategies to slowly desensitise yourself to this.

What can I do if it’s a friend or family member that has panic disorder?

• Acknowledge that they have a disorder and that these issues are very real and often distressing. They are not just carrying on.
• Encourage them to seek professional help
• Acknowledge the small positives and gains. They may seem menial to you but in their mind, they are major hurdles they are jumping.

Panic Disorder can be a debilitating condition which can make you feel isolated from the rest of society. If you do experience anxiety, or panic attacks see your GP for advice. Understand you are not alone. As scary and confronting as these panic attacks are, there is help available.

If you become concerned about any symptoms please seek immediate medical attention we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/”¦/important-hotlines-websi”¦/ …