What Is A Panic Attack?
A panic attack is an unexpected rush of enormous anxiety and fear. Your heart beats faster, harder and you can’t breathe. You may even feel like you’re dying.

Left unmanaged, panic attacks can lead to panic disorder and other problems. They may even cause you to withdraw from normal activities such as work. But panic attacks can be cured and the sooner you seek help, the better. With treatment, you can reduce or eliminate the symptoms of panic and regain control of your life.

Symptoms Of Panic Attacks
Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
Feelings of choking
Chest pain or discomfort
Nausea or abdominal distress
Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint
Chills or heat sensations
Paresthesia (numbness or tingling sensations)
Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
Fear of dying

Some of these symptoms will most likely be present in a panic attack. The attacks can be so disabling that the person is unable to express to others what is happening to them.

Causes Of Panic Attacks

Although the exact causes of panic attacks and panic disorder are unclear, the tendency to have panic attacks is genetic and runs in families.

There also appears to be a connection with major life transitions such as graduating from college and entering the workplace, getting married, and having a baby.

Severe stress, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss can also trigger a panic attack.

Panic attacks can also be caused by medical conditions and other physical causes. If you’re suffering from symptoms of panic, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out the following possibilities:

Mitral valve prolapse, a minor cardiac problem that occurs when one of the heart’s valves doesn't close correctly.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Stimulant use (amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine).
Medication withdrawal.

Management Of Panic Attacks
1. Psychotherapy:

Cognitive behavioral therapy is widely accepted as an effective form of psychotherapy for panic attacks. This form of therapy seeks to help those with panic disorder identify and decrease the self-defeating thoughts and behaviors that reinforce panic symptoms.

Panic-foused psychodynamic psychotherapy uses behavioural techniques that are often used to decrease anxiety include relaxation and gradually increasing the panic sufferer's exposure to situations that may have previously caused anxiety. Helping the anxiety sufferer understand the emotional issues that may have contributed to developing panic symptoms and has also been found to be effective.

2. Medications

Medication can be used to temporarily control or reduce some of the symptoms of panic disorder. However, it doesn't treat or resolve the problem. Medication can be useful in severe cases, but it should not be the only treatment pursued. Medication is most effective when combined with other treatments, such as therapy and lifestyle changes, that address the underlying causes of panic disorder.

The medications used for panic attacks and panic disorder include:

Antidepressants. It takes several weeks before they begin to work, so you have to take them continuously, not just during a panic attack.

Benzodiazepines. These are anti-anxiety drugs that act very quickly (usually within 30 minutes to an hour). Taking them during a panic attack provides rapid relief of symptoms. However, benzodiazepines are highly addictive and have serious withdrawal symptoms, so they should be used with caution.

3. Self Help Tips

* Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. These can all provoke panic attacks in people who are susceptible. As a result, it’s wise to avoid alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages. If you need help to kick the cigarette habit, see How to Quit Smoking. Also be careful with medications that contain stimulants, such as diet pills and non-drowsy cold medications.

* Hyperventilation brings on many sensations (such as lightheadedness and tightness of the chest) that occur during a panic attack.Deep breathing, on the other hand, can relieve the symptoms of panic.

Slow down your breathing. This may best be done by blowing out every breath through pursed lips as if blowing out a candle. Also, place your hands on your stomach to feel the rapidity of your breathing. This may allow you to further control your symptoms

By learning to control your breathing, you develop a coping skill that you can use to calm yourself down when you begin to feel anxious. If you know how to control your breathing, you are also less likely to create the very sensations that you are afraid of.

* Exercise regularly. Exercise is a natural anxiety reliever so try to get moving for at least 30 minutes on most days (three 10-minute sessions is just as good). Rhythmic aerobic exercise that requires moving both your arms and legs—like walking, running, swimming, or dancing—can be especially effective.

Now you know, Do Share

http://www.healththismoment.com/2017/05/panic-attacks-all-you-need-to-know.html?m=1

cc: Lalasticlala Dominique Mynd44

Just "be anxious for nothing", and know that "God has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind". Soak this in and you wouldn't have panic attacks.

Hmmmnnn. Why panick when you have God. Forget your worries n move on with life.

Nairaland don open for today.. so na by 7 una dey open

Jamb Question

Hmm... The difficulty and hardship in the country is enough to trigger panic attack sef.

Imagine a family man with wife and children whose rent is overdue and Pa James his landlord (who is banking on his rent to survive) has promised to bring boys over to throw him out, who has switched from a three square meal to 0-1-0 or 0-0-1 with his entire family, who can't afford to pay his kids school fees anymore, whose business is almost at a stand still...

E no reach to trigger panic attack?

Kai! Omo, Nigerians are made steel!

Panic

Akwasi:
H

eleojo23:
Alright..

eleojo23:
Alright..

Astrogeotech:
H

Astrogeotech:
H

awon bokey

btw i had one just last night. baba chill, na God dey protect him children.

Alright..

Panic attack can lead to suicide. If the person is alone, the attack can influence the person's sense of judgement.

We should do well and help those we know that have such a problem. We should also open up to our families if we believe we have panic attacks

cool

Thought using the Elevator for the first time, was like come and be going, say i know get heart attack that day, Na because say God gats his eyes on me. The panic attack Biri dike aka n'ala.(fall my hand).

Be right back

Drop my chair for here first

Uncertainty about the future is a common cause. Needless to say that it has been on the increase in recent past.
With economic downturn and all that, many are just going bananas which invariably leads to hypertensive heart disease.
I think religious bodies have a huge role to play here cos Nigeria is a wholly religious state.

By the way @seun @lala, why have we had an overt porn banner on the front page for the past one week or so. What's going on here? You guys censor harmless words in a bid to keep sanity but display what you seek to protect perhaps cos this has financial gain attached to it.
You guys shouldn't be two-faced, porn banners should be relegated to sexuality section.
My 1kobo

Psychotherapy is very effective in dealing with it. A certified counselor should know the best theory/theories to apply.

I have experienced this panic attacks otherwise known as anxiety attack... Omo no be small thing,I really passed through hell. I went to almost seven hospital but all to know avail.. I don't walk alone or enter crowded place or buss.. I don't watch television.. God this is what nobody should experience.. I letter when to one hospital and doctor told that am the one to help myself. That I should believe in myself I should tell myself that nothing is happening to me..more importantly I should do more of sports..like early morning jogging...

limgezzy:
I have experienced this panic attacks otherwise known as anxiety attack... Omo no be small thing,I really passed through hell. I went to almost seven hospital but all to know avail.. I don't walk alone or enter crowded place or buss.. I don't watch television.. God this is what nobody should experience.. I letter when to one hospital and doctor told that am the one to help myself. That I should believe in myself I should tell myself that nothing is happening to me..more importantly I should do more of sports..like early morning jogging...

It is not medical, you just needed therapy at that point in time so you could explore your feelings and get a deeper understanding of what is triggering it then develop a coping mechanism.

frenchwine:
By the way @seun @lala, why have we had an overt porn banner on the front page for the past one week or so. What's going on here? You guys censor harmless words in a bid to keep sanity but display what you seek to protect perhaps cos this has financial gain attached to it.
You guys shouldn't be two-faced, porn banners should be relegated to sexuality section.
My 1kobo

Sean now just cares about money. Nothing else.

michaelo2:
What Is A Panic Attack?
A panic attack is an unexpected rush of enormous anxiety and fear. Your heart beats faster, harder and you can’t breathe. You may even feel like you’re dying.

Left unmanaged, panic attacks can lead to panic disorder and other problems. They may even cause you to withdraw from normal activities such as work. But panic attacks can be cured and the sooner you seek help, the better. With treatment, you can reduce or eliminate the symptoms of panic and regain control of your life.

Symptoms Of Panic Attacks
Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
Feelings of choking
Chest pain or discomfort
Nausea or abdominal distress
Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed, or faint
Chills or heat sensations
Paresthesia (numbness or tingling sensations)
Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
Fear of dying

Some of these symptoms will most likely be present in a panic attack. The attacks can be so disabling that the person is unable to express to others what is happening to them.

Causes Of Panic Attacks

Although the exact causes of panic attacks and panic disorder are unclear, the tendency to have panic attacks is genetic and runs in families.

There also appears to be a connection with major life transitions such as graduating from college and entering the workplace, getting married, and having a baby.

Severe stress, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss can also trigger a panic attack.

Panic attacks can also be caused by medical conditions and other physical causes. If you’re suffering from symptoms of panic, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out the following possibilities:

Mitral valve prolapse, a minor cardiac problem that occurs when one of the heart’s valves doesn't close correctly.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Stimulant use (amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine).
Medication withdrawal.

Management Of Panic Attacks
1. Psychotherapy:

Cognitive behavioral therapy is widely accepted as an effective form of psychotherapy for panic attacks. This form of therapy seeks to help those with panic disorder identify and decrease the self-defeating thoughts and behaviors that reinforce panic symptoms.

Panic-foused psychodynamic psychotherapy uses behavioural techniques that are often used to decrease anxiety include relaxation and gradually increasing the panic sufferer's exposure to situations that may have previously caused anxiety. Helping the anxiety sufferer understand the emotional issues that may have contributed to developing panic symptoms and has also been found to be effective.

2. Medications

Medication can be used to temporarily control or reduce some of the symptoms of panic disorder. However, it doesn't treat or resolve the problem. Medication can be useful in severe cases, but it should not be the only treatment pursued. Medication is most effective when combined with other treatments, such as therapy and lifestyle changes, that address the underlying causes of panic disorder.

The medications used for panic attacks and panic disorder include:

Antidepressants. It takes several weeks before they begin to work, so you have to take them continuously, not just during a panic attack.

Benzodiazepines. These are anti-anxiety drugs that act very quickly (usually within 30 minutes to an hour). Taking them during a panic attack provides rapid relief of symptoms. However, benzodiazepines are highly addictive and have serious withdrawal symptoms, so they should be used with caution.

3. Self Help Tips

* Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. These can all provoke panic attacks in people who are susceptible. As a result, it’s wise to avoid alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages. If you need help to kick the cigarette habit, see How to Quit Smoking. Also be careful with medications that contain stimulants, such as diet pills and non-drowsy cold medications.

* Hyperventilation brings on many sensations (such as lightheadedness and tightness of the chest) that occur during a panic attack.Deep breathing, on the other hand, can relieve the symptoms of panic.

Slow down your breathing. This may best be done by blowing out every breath through pursed lips as if blowing out a candle. Also, place your hands on your stomach to feel the rapidity of your breathing. This may allow you to further control your symptoms

By learning to control your breathing, you develop a coping skill that you can use to calm yourself down when you begin to feel anxious. If you know how to control your breathing, you are also less likely to create the very sensations that you are afraid of.

* Exercise regularly. Exercise is a natural anxiety reliever so try to get moving for at least 30 minutes on most days (three 10-minute sessions is just as good). Rhythmic aerobic exercise that requires moving both your arms and legs—like walking, running, swimming, or dancing—can be especially effective.

Now you know, Do Share

http://www.healththismoment.com/2017/05/panic-attacks-all-you-need-to-know.html?m=1

cc: Lalasticlala Dominique Mynd44

There is a SPIRIT behind this problem. You must learn to PRAY it out of you, otherwise you willl keep going to psychotherapist for the rest of your life.

I experience this a lot.

We're too religious in this country. .. An average Nigerian is most likely to see a pastor or imam when he or she goes through panic attack or other psychological problem...... This is something that can be managed by a psychologist or psychiatrist..

Pavore9:


It is not medical, you just needed therapy at that point in time so you could explore your feelings and get a deeper understanding of what is triggering it then develop a coping mechanism.

thanks I was in hell .. Nobody could help it was like I was in a cage.. Am afraid of going out then because I have this fear that I might die on the way or go mad on the way..

limgezzy:
thanks I was in hell .. Nobody could help it was like I was in a cage.. Am afraid of going out then because I have this fear that I might die on the way or go mad on the way..

You were experiencing Agoraphobia, which is an anxiety disorder.

A good number of cases people go to hospital for are what a counseling psychologist can help sort out without the use of any medication.

Most Nigerians bring it upon theirselves by pushing the panic button too fast.

samyomz:
We're too religious in this country. .. An average Nigerian is most likely to see a pastor or imam when he or she goes through panic attack or other psychological problem...... This is something that can be managed by a psychologist or psychiatrist..

We do not have a culture of therapy. Sadly, most of the Pastors​ and Imams Nigerians go to are not trained to handle such as most use Bible and Qur'an quotes to "treat" the issue.

Thanks op.. I am going through this and there have been about 80% improvement

It's actually not easy.. You won't even be able to explain how e dey do you..

BP will just be untable like Nepa.. Lol..

I was at first diagnosed of hypertension, did series of tests....

My doctor has been really helpful..Seeing or hearing from him will automatically calm me down, Imagine calling him around 2am but I have been able to do without him... .

Ordinary breeze can trigger the panic except someone with you confirm he also feel the breeze..

The thing is just to belive nothing will happen.

Ok

lonelydora:
Most Nigerians bring it upon theirselves by pushing the panic button too fast.

They ain't pushing the panic buttons fast .....adversities, disappointments, economic hardship push d buttons faster on them