Sometimes the anxiety can seem to come on suddenly or feel all-encompassing.

This is what is usually referred to as ananxiety attack.

If youve ever had an anxiety attack, you know how challenging it can be.

stressed woman

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The experience may be disorienting and bewildering to you.

“Why is this happening?”

You may wonder what is causing your anxiety to feel so out of control.

At a Glance

It’s understandable to wonder what causes anxiety attacks.

It can be helpful to understand the causesdoing so is often the first step to getting some relief.

Stress, anxiety disorders, lifestyle factors, and situational variables can all play a role.

What Are Anxiety Attacks?

“Anxiety attack” is not an official diagnosis.

Most people do not associate anxiety attacks with life threatening circumstances or specificphobias.

How Can You Tell That Youre Having An Anxiety Attack?

Sometimes anxiety attacks come on slowly, over the course of a few days.

Other times, they seem to come on suddenly, as if out of the blue.

Both types of experiences are common.

Anxiety attacks arent just emotional or mental: they often involve some telltale physical symptoms as well.

Usually anxiety attacks have more than one causeoften, several factors are at play at once.

In other words, often anxiety attacks come on because of a “perfect storm” of unfortunate circumstances.

Often, certain situations in life and life stressors are a cause of anxiety attacks.

These may include:

Additionally, certain people seem to have an increased propensity toward anxiety and anxiety attacks.

Just as anxiety attacks may have more than one cause, easing anxiety symptoms usually takes a multifaceted approach.

Here are a few areas you may choose to focus on.

The types of therapy best known to help with anxiety attacks includecognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)andexposure therapy.

You will need to seek help from an MD or psychiatrist for this, as psychotherapists cant prescribe medication.

Common medications used to treat anxiety include antidepressants, fast acting anti-anxiety medications such asbenzodiazepines, andbeta-blockers.

Mindfulness and meditation also promoteself-awareness, which can help you learn to manage anxious thoughts better.

Even a 20 or 30-minute brisk walk each day can help.

But there are certain things we can control.

However, sometimes anxiety attacks are more debilitating or indicate something more serious.

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National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.

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