What causes panic attacks and how can you stop them?

Question

I've had them ever since I was little and I've been on medicine for them for 12 years so far, but they still occur... any suggestions?

Answer 1

I started getting them several years ago, after my last child was born (she's 4 now). I have learned to identify what situations set me off, and I recognize the symptoms as they start, and can generally avoid them if I pay attention and just avoid the "trigger" situations. For me, I can't deal with crowds, and chaos, so I try to avoid going places I know will be crowded & chaotic.

I take medication, but only as needed for a panic attack that does come on without me being able to head it off.

Answer 2

The first thing you need to do is distinguish what happened from the aftermath. No matter how bad the experience was, the fact is everything you did or didn't do after was at your will. Many women in society do not take responsibility for their actions and consider it easier to simply just to do what they want and make excuses. If a man rapes or molests you, whether you're a child or adult, it's no excuse to go sleeping around. If you're a child and the parents knew, than it's the parents responsibility to provide you the proper counseling. I understand children don't always "know better", but there comes to a certain age, definitely starting in middle school if not earlier, where they are conscious of their decisions. Fearing pregnancy is not irrational. In a relationship, it's not something to worry about if you trust the guy to wear a condom, you know it's on and you even take preventative measures by taking the pill. And even if you did screw up, CVS, Walgreens or some store that sells the 24 hour pill can't be that far away. As for what happened to you, while it is horrible, it is a position you put yourself in. There were probably drugs there. There were low life deviants there, you had to have known this, you voluntarily consumed the alcohol and than look what happened. I'm not telling you this to be a jerk. I'm telling you this so you don't do it again. And if you didn't go to the hospital after to get DNA tests and what not, he can't even be punished. They probably gave you a date rape drug on top of that. I hope you get a new set of friends because what ever friends you have or had were not looking out for you. You need to speak to a counselor. There are free ones who'll help you even anonymously. You aren't mentally over what happened to you yet. There are medications and mental activities you can do to remember, come to terms and evaluate how you feel about all of it, rather than living with the confusion. At the end of the day, all you have is your self dignity. You still are at a point in your life when you could save your self dignity. I tell you that from an entirely secular perspective too. You need some help and we all do sometimes, so don't feel bad about it. In the mean time, the best thing you can do is just don't have sex with anyone. Don't date any guy's until you're mentally ready for it. You'll know you're mentally ready for it when you're not uncomfortable being touched in an area because of a prior rape.

Answer 3

Panic attacks are the bodies natural fight or flight response. When you contemplate something that is particularly troubling for an extended period of time you can cause yourself to go into a panic attack. Two things if they are frequent you should see a doctor about them if not and it's a particularly troubling thought that you have deep breathing and relazation techniques can help.

Answer 4

I do have panic attacks very often when the electric goes out. It's just natural. The last time that I have a panic attack is that when the electric had gone out which was due to a lightning bolt hitting the transformer from beneath the ground and my computer had gone off and then, all kinds of hell had broke loose when I officially panicked like crazy, first mother fussed at me for waking up one of my nephews, then, my father fussed at me for screaming and cursing by using words like "damn", "hell", "***", "****", "****", and using God's name in vain and yelling at him about God messing with people's lives and manipulating their emotions. And, I was crying, yelling, screaming, fussing, jumping up and down like a hippo, howling, mooing, wailing, pouting, and sulking through and all through the night almost continuously until the electric power company arrived at the scene of the incident of which the procedure took place, it was horrible and gruesome as it is. It's panic-striking, it's horrifying, it's spontaneous, it's "Holy ****!!". Oh, dear God, help me from this horrificly disasterous cause which my life had inflicted upon!!

Answer 5

I have been having trouble with panic attacks due to post traumatic stress disorder so I've done a little research and found the wesbsite below. It goes through all the different types, causes and ways to help you overcome the attacks. I'm going to try the self help section.... you might want to try it yourself.

Answer 6

Best suggestion, see your doctor and let the know that the meds aren't working at all/any more. Then go get a second opinion from another doctor. Yours may just be incompetent. Also, seeing a shrink may be a good idea.

Answer 7

Sometimes it's genetic. You may want to consider talking with a therapist as to why they occur and what you can do to reduce your attacks. Most of the time it's caused by what is going on in our lives...worry, stress, fear, etc.

Answer 8

Try yoga. Yoga will greatly heighten your mind body connection. You will be able to use mental and breathing techniques to calm yourself when panic sets in. If the medicines aren't working, try giving your body a chance to work it out by practicing yoga.

Answer 9

what causes this attacks are unforgetable situations or experiences from the past. try to think of things that triggers this attacks and co-inside it from the present. leave the past behind, go on. "try to watch robert deniros movie about panic attcks u you may get some pointers there too".

Answer 10

I am having one right now and am looking at Yahoo to try to divert myself.
Usually there is some small stressor. I had a minor row with a friend yesterday but in my mind it is now so big, I can't breathe, feel sick, and want to cancel my holiday!!!
I can't seem to find a cure. tried Valium and therapy!!!!