The bad news: They can be some of the most terrifying minutes of your life.
But by developingcoping skills, most people who have panic attacks are able to manage their symptoms.
Physical symptoms, such asshortness of breath, sweating andshaking, usually mark the beginning of a panic attack.
Justin Richey/Getty Images
These symptoms typically trigger fearful thoughts and emotions, which in turn can intensify your feelings of anxiety.
As fear escalates, symptoms may also rise.
People with panic disorder often change their behaviors in response to a fear of panic attacks.
For instance, you may avoid certain places or situations that you believe can trigger another attack.
Unfortunately,avoidance behaviorsonly ease anxiety in the short run and often lead to more long-lasting fears.
This creates a cycle of fear and avoidance that can greatly limit and negatively impact your overall functioning.
Overcoming Your Fear
As with many aspects of life, the unknown can seem scary or intimidating.
But the less you fear panic attacks, the less likely you are to have them.
By altering your perception of your panic attacks, you may be better able to cope with them.
Keep in mind that this process may take time.
It’s okay if you dont always react the way you’d like.
But it’s important to get help early since anxiety can be harder to treat if you wait.
