What You Need To Know About Anxiety Attacks

Although it does not have a clinical diagnosis, "anxiety attack" is frequently used to refer to a period of extreme anxiety resulting from fear or a perceived threat. And the term "panic attack," which refers to a quick bout of acute fear which may cause physical symptoms, is frequently mistaken for "anxiety attack." For example, you may feel as though you are about to die or may be unable to breathe due to the intensity of these experiences.

Some people might describe an anxiety attack as a symptom of an anxiety disorder or a response to a worrying situation that is happening now or soon. Treatment for anxiety can be aided by learning to recognize and control the attack.

Symptoms of Anxiety Attacks

It's common to develop anxiety in response to specific circumstances or events. When under stress or in danger, our bodies naturally respond by either fighting or fleeing. The overpowering sense of powerlessness that comes with anxiety attacks extends beyond the normal nervousness you feel when frightened.

An incident that you interpret as a threat or potential danger usually causes the symptoms to manifest. Sometimes the symptoms can develop on their own. But it varies between individuals.

Psychological Symptoms

• Irritable
• Difficulty concentrating
• Overwhelming fear
• A rush of overwhelming panic
• Distress and worrying
• Feeling as though you have to escape
• Always on edge or easily frightened
• Feeling as if your mind is blank

Physical Symptoms

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness
• Upset stomach
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• trembling or shaking
• chills or hot flashes
• Choking sensation
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches or pain
• Tingling or numbness in feet or hand
• Pounding heart or rapid heart rate

How to Manage an Anxiety

• Identify an attack as it's happening and remember that the signs will pass in a moment
• To assist you in regaining control and relieve some of your body's tension, relax your muscles.
• Breathe deeply to reduce or end hyperventilation, which will also cause your heartbeat to slow down

The individual having the attack could feel like they're going to pass away and call for help. Admissions to the emergency department frequently occur due to extreme anxiety, in which the individual can receive the necessary support.

Anxiety attacks frequently happen in response to certain circumstances or perceived dangers. Avoiding these triggers will lower your possibility of attack, but it might not be possible if the trigger is a part of your daily environment. If particular triggers cause reported anxiety episodes, there might be an underlying anxiety problem that must be addressed. Treatment for an anxiety problem may involve therapy or medication.

To prevent the next anxiety episode, several actions can be taken. A few of them are:

• Joining support groups or chatting with friends
• Practicing relaxation techniques or meditations
• Learning how to control your stress and prevent persistent worrying
• Getting adequate rest
• Avoiding or minimizing the use of tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol, which have all been linked to increased anxiety
• Getting adequate rest