"I'm so afraid. Every time I start to go out, I get that awful feeling in the pit of my stomach and I'm terrified that another panic attack is coming or that some other, unknown terrible thing was going to happen."
Have you felt the terrifying onset of an anxiety attack? Do you suffer from panic attacks or its associated symptoms?
Well, you are not alone. Many people from all across the globe are admitting that they experience anxiety and panic attacks. This is a very unfortunate, but totally unnecessary situation.
Are you suffering from any of these symptoms right now?
Light Headedness - Have you experienced dizzy spells or light headedness that lead to fainting spells?
Breathing Difficulty - Do you get or have you experienced difficulty in swallowing, followed by shortness of breath?
Speeding Heart - Have you experienced a pounding heart with tingly sensations all over your body?
Chest Pain - Do you think you are having a heart attack, but your doctor says your heart is as healthy as a horse?
Overwhelming Fear - Do you or have you felt overwhelming terror that something terrible is about to happen?
These and other similar uncomfortable emotions occur all too often but the truth is you do not have to experience another panic or anxiety attack ever again - as you'll soon see.
Over the years, I have worked with many people dealing with the numerous anxiety disorders. They have usually reached the end of their rope (or so they believe) looking for an effective answer everywhere.
By the time they get here, they are very skeptical and have little faith that they will ever get over their anxiety. This doesn't have to be the case with you.
Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
Everyone feels anxious once in a while. We may feel anxious about taking a test, going to the doctor or any other situation in which we feel uncomfortable. For some people, however, they are unable to control their anxiety, and they wind up having a full blown anxiety attack. This can often land someone in the ER of the hospital because they feel as though they are having a heart attack.
When you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, you have to have several anxiety attacks over at least 6 months. This is chronic anxiety and most doctors will then evaluate you for these conditions. While anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Klonopin can help take the edge off of an anxiety attack, they are not the cure. Most doctors will refer you to a counselor or a psychiatrist who will then diagnose you with one of the types of anxiety disorders that are common and treatable.
General Anxiety Disorder
This is an anxiety disorder in which no known cause for the anxiety exists. A person who suffers from this type of anxiety disorder will often have anxiety attacks, triggered by an unknown source. It can be something in their head that sets them off. Doctors will give anti-depressant medication coupled with anti-anxiety medication so that it balances the chemicals in the brain and allows the person to function regularly.
Panic Disorder
Someone who suffers from panic disorder gets frequent anxiety attacks and often winds up in the ER of the hospital thinking that they are having a heart attack. This can be a very disabling anxiety disorder and is the one that is the most pronounced. Like general anxiety disorder, this has no known cause. Again, it is treated with anti-anxiety medication as well as anti-depressants.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Those who suffer from this anxiety disorder have undergone some sort of life threatening stress in their lives that keeps them from functioning at full capacity. While is it often associated with veterans who come home from war, anyone can suffer from this disorder who has been through a great deal of stress or life threatening situation. In this case, the source of anxiety is well known and therapy is often used to alleviate this type of anxiety disorder.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is one where you may have an anxiety attack when you are around crowds of people. The person who experiences this type of social anxiety disorder will feel cold and clammy, may feel heart palpitations and even fainting when they are around crowds of people. Anti-Anxiety medications can help someone overcome social anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are best diagnosed by a professional. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms regarding anxiety, you should seek out a medical opinion and not suffer in silence. There are many types of anxiety disorders and only a medical professional can give you the proper diagnosis.
