EXPERIENCE
Imagine you're in a very busy place, like a market or a street with lots of people. Suddenly, you start feeling really scared, anxious, like something terrible is going to happen. Your heart starts beating really fast, and you can't catch your breath properly. Everything around you seems to get louder and blurrier, and you feel like you might faint or pass out. You try to calm down, but it's really hard. Finally, you find a quiet spot to sit and take deep breaths until you start feeling better. It's like your body goes into panic mode for no reason, and it can be really scary’
This is what it's like to experience a Panic attack. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. Although panic attacks aren't life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life. They often come suddenly and unexpectedly. They can happen anywhere, whether you're out for a walk, relaxing at home, or even asleep. These episodes can vary in frequency, with some people experiencing them only occasionally while others may have them more frequently.
During a panic attack, you might feel like you're in imminent danger or that something terrible is about to happen. This overwhelming sense of fear can be accompanied by physical sensations such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and difficulty breathing. You might also experience other symptoms like chills, hot flashes, nausea, or abdominal cramping. The intensity of these symptoms usually peaks within a few minutes but after, it will leave you feeling exhausted and drained. One of the most distressing aspects of panic attacks is the fear of having another one. This fear can become so overwhelming that it leads you to avoid certain situations or places where you think an attack might occur, which can significantly impact your daily life and activities.
TIPS TO GET BETTER
While experiencing these, Firstly, make a list of positive thoughts that you can tell yourself when you're feeling scared. These thoughts should reassure you that you're safe and that the panic attack will pass. Keep this list handy so you can read it whenever you need to. Next, focus on your breathing. During a panic attack, your breathing can get really fast, which makes you feel even more anxious. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Put one hand on your belly and one on your chest to help you breathe deeply. Then, distract yourself from the panic attack by doing something you enjoy. You could listen to music, call a friend, or go for a walk. Finding ways to take your mind off the panic attack can help you feel better. Also it is important to understand your Triggering points. By learning those will help you to get a wider knowledge about those specific triggers that may lead to attack. Even Though there is no way to prevent panic attacks, it's important to get help as soon as you can when you have one. Stick to the plan your psychologist gives you to treat them. Regular exercise can also help keep anxiety away.
MALAYALEES VIEW ON PANIC ATTACK
Panic attacks can be difficult to recognize, especially because they often occur differently from person to person. Some common symptoms are shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and a sense of impending doom or loss of control. Also it's very challenging that many other conditions can share similar symptoms. Conditions like heart problems, asthma, and even certain neurological disorders can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling. Even though Kerala has high literacy rates the awareness and understanding of mental health and psychological problems still lag behind. While education levels are relatively high, there's often a gap in knowledge when it comes to recognizing, addressing, and supporting individuals with mental health conditions. Misconceptions about panic attacks are common. Panic attacks can often be mistaken for physical health issues such as heart attacks or seizures due to their intense and sometimes alarming symptoms. This misunderstanding can lead to unnecessary medical interventions or delays in seeking appropriate help for the underlying anxiety disorder. Individuals experiencing panic attacks may also internalize these misconceptions, fearing that others perceive them as physically weak or incapable. This can exacerbate feelings of shame, isolation, and reluctance to seek support. Encouraging open dialogue and understanding within communities can help create a more supportive environment for individuals experiencing panic attacks and other mental health challenges in Kerala.
Overcome Panic Attacks with Koott: Get Expert Help from a Malayali Psychologist Through Online Counseling
Commentaires