wavey
18-09-09, 00:12
Hi there,
Just thought I'd drop a quick message in - haven't looked on here for quite a while...
Everyone on here is having the same feelings - no one is going mad - you are not alone.
Here's why: a panic attack is simply adrenalin surging through the body. Adrenalin is needed by everyone in the world in 'fight or flight' situations e.g. if we are about to be put into what we perceive to be a dangerous situation (parachute jump, public speech, jump out of the way of a speeding car - add your own scenario). In these situations we don't notice the 'panic attack' feeling.
The problem arises when the adrenalin surges through the body at a time when we are not in danger. This normally results in us paying attention to the feelings in our body and asking what's wrong with ourselves which in turn leads to another wave of adrenalin and so the cycle starts.
Why do 'panic attacks' occur when we are not in danger? The main reasons I have found are; lack of sleep, illness, stress, hangover & lack of food.
The main thing to remember is that we need adrenalin to survive - the trick is to un-learn being scared of it and re-learn how to live with it.
A great way to do this is with knowledge (read as much as you can about panic attacks and their causes). Also, next to time you start feeling edgy, start asking yourself what is causing it. Is it a lack of sleep, illness, lack of food etc.
Realise what the reason is before it spirals into the cycle of panic attack/what's happening to me/panic attack/what's happening to me etc.
Good luck to everyone on here - you can and will get through the anxiety. I had panic attacks for 20 years and am now living my life like everyone else. I still feel panic (but only when I need it).
Take care,
David :yesyes:
Just thought I'd drop a quick message in - haven't looked on here for quite a while...
Everyone on here is having the same feelings - no one is going mad - you are not alone.
Here's why: a panic attack is simply adrenalin surging through the body. Adrenalin is needed by everyone in the world in 'fight or flight' situations e.g. if we are about to be put into what we perceive to be a dangerous situation (parachute jump, public speech, jump out of the way of a speeding car - add your own scenario). In these situations we don't notice the 'panic attack' feeling.
The problem arises when the adrenalin surges through the body at a time when we are not in danger. This normally results in us paying attention to the feelings in our body and asking what's wrong with ourselves which in turn leads to another wave of adrenalin and so the cycle starts.
Why do 'panic attacks' occur when we are not in danger? The main reasons I have found are; lack of sleep, illness, stress, hangover & lack of food.
The main thing to remember is that we need adrenalin to survive - the trick is to un-learn being scared of it and re-learn how to live with it.
A great way to do this is with knowledge (read as much as you can about panic attacks and their causes). Also, next to time you start feeling edgy, start asking yourself what is causing it. Is it a lack of sleep, illness, lack of food etc.
Realise what the reason is before it spirals into the cycle of panic attack/what's happening to me/panic attack/what's happening to me etc.
Good luck to everyone on here - you can and will get through the anxiety. I had panic attacks for 20 years and am now living my life like everyone else. I still feel panic (but only when I need it).
Take care,
David :yesyes: