Fear And Panic Attacks - You Can Beat It

Fear and panic attacks come as a package - you won't experience panic attacks without feelings of fear. They can be a very frightening experience and if this is a new experience for you, it can even feel like you are dying.

Frightening perhaps, might be an understatement as many people express feelings of absolute terror when an attack happens. Feelings of being out of control or of going crazy are also very common.

It is easy then to be scared as fear and panic attacks can happen anywhere and at any time. They can sometimes just come as a bolt from the blue, with no hint of warning.

You could be at work, on a plane, in a meeting, or on a date, it doesn't matter, panic attacks can happen regardless.

The fear of not knowing when and where you will be when an attack might strike is what keeps you in a heightened state of anxiety and worry. Apart from the awful feelings of dread and gloom that come with an attack, it could be very embarrassing for you depending on where you are.

You might worry how others will react, what will they think of you? With family and friends who know you, it might be ok but what about being among strangers? These thoughts only add more fuel to your fear and panic attacks.

Fear is a normal reaction when faced with the threat of danger but what happens with panic attacks is the body reacts to a perceived danger and responds to this by preparing you to save yourself by either running away from the situation or putting up a fight, also known as the fight or flight response.

It is the constant fear of panic attacks that will keep you in this continual anxiety loop and therefore ready for the panic attack experience at any time.

The only way to stop panic attacks is to break out of the cycle of fear and anxiety. Once the fear, worry and anticipation of having another attack is gone, you are no longer in a position to bring on the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks.

Take comfort in the fact that no matter how bad you feel during an attack - you will not come to any harm and your panic attack will end. It is important to reassure yourself of this fact and know that you will be ok. Remember that you and you alone have the power to control fear and panic attacks.