Panic attack is very scary experience. It’s a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers physical reactions when there is no real danger around. When panic attack occur it’s often feels like the person is losing control over himself, it’s very hard to breath till the point when the person may think he’s having a heart attack or even about to die. Anyone can have a single panic attack, but frequent and ongoing episodes may be a sign of a panic or anxiety disorder that requires treatment.
“I was ringing doctors, I was ringing everybody like I’m dying, I just had a heart attack and survived it” Perrie said
It’s hard to predict when a panic attack will occur and the people that suffer from it are scared that it will happen because it’s so instance. “speaking about it made it come out like this devil I was terrified of” Perrie said.
When a person is terrified of something often that’s means that he’ll avoid it by all costs so the chances it will happen again will be low. The problem is that this behavior is causing more fears and it can become a snowball that it’s hard to break. “when I started to experience panic attacks I developed a fear of being on my own.” Perrie said.
A complicated phobia is agoraphobia – fear of being in open places or in situations where escape might be difficult. “ I just couldn’t get in the car on my own, I couldn’t leave the house… I still can’t get on the train on my own, it’s freaks me out I feel really claustrophobic” Perrie said.
Treatment and tips:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy - can help change the way one thinks and reacts to situations that create fear.
Relaxation and mindfulness - such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, massage, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce the anxiety and stress that lead to a panic attack.
Know that if you have it or experienced it in the past you are not alone.