What Are Panic Attacks?
One of the most often asked questions of someone that has just started having panic attacks, or think they may be having them is, \"What are Panic Attacks?\" Quite simply, panic attacks are the unwarranted triggering of the \"fight or flight response\" that is part of the makeup of every creature.
This fight or flight response is very important to us as human beings as it keeps us safe from danger. It is this response that causes us to run when we are chased by a vicious dog, or stand up and fight when an attacker takes a swing at us. It is our safety net that gets us far away from dangerous situations, or gives us the strength to fight like 10 men when that is our only option.
The Fight or Flight Response
In order to understand what are panic attacks, you need to understand the fight or flight response. The main component of the fight or flight response is the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands secrete various chemicals into the blood stream, commonly called adrenalin, that help us deal with stressful or dangerous situations. Adrenalin increases your heart rate, puts you in a heightened state of awareness and allows your body to operate at maximum output.
It is this adrenalin charge that allows you to perform like you never thought you could when you are in a dangerous situation. If you have ever been chased by a vicious dog, think back to how it seemed like you were running faster than ever before. Or, perhaps you have heard stories about how an average Mom lifted a car off her child that was trapped beneath. That is adrenalin in action.
Adrenalin is not Always Your Friend
So, back to the original question, what are panic attacks?
It is the effect of adrenalin on your system when there is no real danger. Your body is having the exact same biological reaction it would have if confronted with an attacking dog or other danger. That is why you have the heart rate increase, increased breathing rate and the heightened awareness that allows you to feel every fiber of your body. You just dont notice it when you are in a real dangerous situation because your mind is preoccupied with the danger at hand.
However, when there is no danger present you become all too aware of the effects of the adrenalin on your system. The heightened awareness of what is going on around you allows you feel all these changes going on in your body, and feel the rush of fear that is designed to protect you. But, instead of protecting you, it is now your enemy and causes your body to go into a panic cycle where more and more adrenalin is released because you are not sure what is wrong with you. Presto! Instant, full blown panic attack.
Taking Control of Panic Attacks
Now that I have answered the question, \"What are panic attacks?\" lets take a look at what can be done to over come them. There are many ways out there to mask the effects and control panic attacks. There are medicines, therapy and even hypnosis available to help you relieve the effects of panic attacks.
However, the ultimate solution to panic attacks is to remove that trigger that causes them. Other methods will cover them up, but removing that trigger is the only sure way to cure them for good. Only then will you have sure and complete relief.
My name is David Jacobs and I suffered with panic attacks for 8 years. I tried all the various medications, therapy and hypnosis methods out there at one time or the other. Some of them didnt do anything. Many of them worked for a while, but then the panic attacks came back. Finally, in a moment of frustration I found a fast and easy method to drive them away for good.
If you would like to learn more about the method I used to beat panic attacks for good, follow this link to my web site Panic Help. It helped me get my life back and stop worrying about the next panic attack.
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