Many people believe that panic attacks are common, or something that can be controlled, and thus they do not seek professional help. They have heard about deep breathing techniques and relaxation exercises, and so they continue to believe that they can handle their problems on their own, that professional treatment is too expensive and they don’t need panic attack help. While there are techniques that can be used to stop panic attacks or reduce their effects, medical help is also needed in order to develop a long-term plan for overcoming the attacks and to determine whether medication is necessary. It is always best to seek medical attention once the first panic attacks affect you, so that the issue can be combated early. However, it is imperative that medical attention be sought immediately if any of these five signs occur.
5 Signs that You Need Medical Attention
1. Chest Pain. Many people are scared that they are experiencing a heart attack, or are about to experience a heart attack, when they feel chest pain during a panic attack. Terrible thoughts race through their head, such as the idea that they are dying. Instances of chest pain may or may not be an indicator of cardiac problems, but either way, chest pain is a serious issue that intensifies panic and requires immediate medical attention.
2. Hyperventilation and/or choking. Hyperventilation causes a person’s breathing pattern to become irregular, resulting in short, quick breaths and loud gasps for air. The individual will be unable to take full breaths and may also experience coughing. Choking sensations are sometimes accompanied with this as well.
3. Frequent diarrhea and nausea. Panic attacks can cause uneasiness in the abdominal area. This often causes the individual to feel nauseous until the panic attack is over. If you experience diarrhea and/or frequent, intense nausea, consult a medical professional right away.
4. Feeling detached from your surroundings, or as if you are unreal. During a panic attack, one’s surroundings may seem unfamiliar, cloudy, or distorted. He or she may feel unreal, or as if he or she is going through the motions like a robot. These feelings can intensify the anxiety and panic and should be discussed with a doctor.
5. Persistent fear of having additional panic attacks. When one fears that he or she will experience additional attacks, then these attacks are bound to happen. A person’s mental state is closely linked with physical reactions. Meet with a professional as soon as possible to discuss your fears and specific strategies for reducing your stress and anxiety.
If you feel any of these things, make an appointment with a professional for panic attack help, today.
