We all experience stress and pressure which makes us feel anxious − anxiety and panic disorders affect one in a hundred people. It is twice as prevalent in women as in men. The condition often appears first when you are in your twenties, although these feelings can come on at any time. If your anxious feelings are impacting your life, therapy can help you to manage them.
If you are experiencing panic attacks, these can be frightening, and the symptoms can be intense. They can often occur for no immediately apparent reason and are often so unpleasant that people with panic disorder find their anxiety levels increasing at the thought of suffering another panic attack.
The difference between anxiety and full-blown panic attacks
Symptoms of panic attacks can include:
- chest pain
- intense fear
- fear of dying or losing your sanity
- hot flushes and cold shivers
- racing heart
- rapid breathing and shortness of breath
- shaking and tremors
- being unable to swallow
- stomach discomfort
You may find that your feelings of heightened anxiety are related to phobias, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). PTSD is especially common in individuals who have experienced a specific traumatic event, which has a lasting effect on their mental health. This can lead to anxiety and panic attacks.