Are Severe Anxiety and Panic Attacks Dangerous?

Question

I'm having Panic Attacks almost every night for years, but recently had a very awful one, I had to go to an Emergency Room, It lasted a long time, much more than ever, and the doctor told me I have a very high level of Stress and that I suffered a Panic Attack caused by a severe anxiety. Another thing the doctor told me is that I have to change my lifestyle, because my lifestyle is stressful. I've been suffering of breathing problems, like bronquitis and all the doctors I've visited have told me this problem is related to stress.
Is this situation dangerous for me? Do I have to be worried about my condition?

Answer 1

Sooner or later this will impact seriously both on your physical and mental health. All those stress hormones washing round your body, and all your body's defence mechanisms being on high alert will eventually result in auto immune problems such as eczema or arthtitis or worse, in organs being damaged.

I don't know if anyone has told you how to go about reducing stress but here are some tips:

having panic attacks every night is not normal - you should really be trying to get at the source of the problem, not trying to reduce symptoms This is a problem that is bound to get worse. Have you considered counselling or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?

do a lifestyle audit - is this going to be a choice between my health and my job, and if so, what are my alternatives? Is there an emotonal problem I am avoiding?

EXERCISE is the number one best thing for using stress hormones for the purpose for which they were intended.

diet - make sure you are getting your five portions of fruit and veg a day and may be some B vit supplements. Is your fat or salt intake too high? 5g of salt a day is the maximum.

water and plenty of it to help flush these stress chemicals out of your body

reflexology, massage (full body or Indian Head), aromatherapy are all good stress reducing treatments. A drop or two of lavender on your pillow will help you sleep. It is also good on a tissue for hysteria.

meditation would be good for you

Go back to your doctor and discuss beta-blockers if these strategies do not help.

PLEASE don't let this go on any longer, for your own sake!

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Are Severe Anxiety and Panic Attacks Dangerous?
I'm having Panic Attacks almost every night for years, but recently had a very awful one, I had to go to an Emergency Room, It lasted a long time, much more than ever, and the doctor told me I have a very high level of Stress and that I suffered a Panic Attack caused by a severe anxiety....

Answer 3

Are Panic Attacks Dangerous

Answer 4

If you are suffering from panic attacks which have started to affect you, the 60 Second Panic Solution may just be the answer to your problem. Whether you are a father, mother or wife or even the person who is undergoing panic attacks, you will find this program very useful. It delivers on its promises as detailed on the product label.

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Check here a free video presentation - http://tinyurl.com/60PanicAttacks

Answer 5

I have a recommendation for you. There is a series of CD's and DVD's that it put out by the Midwest Center for Anxiety and Depression (look them up online) that will help you. I used to have horrible panic attacks daily before I went through the 12-week program. That was a year ago and I haven't had one panic attack since then, plus I have learned to manage the stressors in my life. I feel sooo much better, happier and I'm a lot more productive.

Yes, stress and anxiety increase the levels of cortisol in your body, which raises your chances of contracting colds, infections and even diseases such as cancer.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Panic attacks are not fun! I know. I ended up in the emergency room too. Many hospitals now have classes for panic disorder. Call your doctor and find out what's available in your area. Also, ask your doctor to explain exactly what happens when you have a panic attack. This helped me understand, and a little knowledge goes a long way. There are specific meds for panic disorder -not meds like Paxil, Prozac, etc. (the SSRIs), but meds in the "benzo" family. Exercise helps! I joined a gym and I always feel a lot better after working out. I've been on klonopin meds (low dose) for 7 yrs. and no more panic attacks.

Answer 7

I would get help from a psychiatrist so you can find a medication that will help prevent the panic/anxiety attacks from occuring. If that doesn't work, then maybe a lifestyle change is needed. Being alive and healthy sure beats being stressed and not being able to breath!!!

Answer 8

If you are a natural person you should try cognitive behavioral therapy. It was the only thing that has helped me with my horrible health anxiety. Read here https://tr.im/NaturalRemediesForAnxiety

Your thinking determines your quality of life. Your thinking is what causes you these feelings:

Anxious, fearful, stressed or depressed
Constantly worried, or angry about something that is happening in your life
Struggling to overcome obsessive and negative thoughts.

If you change your thinking, you will change your life. This is the basic idea behind CBT for anxiety. The Cognitive part is where you learn nee methods and ways to change your same old habits and thinking patterns. If you keep thinking and expecting the worst – You will continue to suffer.

Answer 9

If you had a panic attack that sent you to the emergency room than yes they are dangerous. Anything that causes you to have breathing problems is dangerous and you said the doctor told you to change your lifestyle so I think you should listen to him. If I were you I would get an appointment with your regular doctor and tell him just what is going on in your life and the trouble that you are having. Your doctor will know what to give you to help with the stress and anxiety you are dealing with. Do not wait since the breathing problem will only get worse with each attack.

Answer 10

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life