Saturday, December 27, 2008

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

By Jack Collins

Although panic attacks and anxiety can be related to each other, they can also be completely separate entities with their own set of symptoms. Either of these conditions can become problematic if the symptoms escalate beyond the normal range. It is at this point, that treatment will need to be sought.

Anxiety is normal and is simply a reaction to stress. Anxiety occurs in different areas of life, such as work, school, or public speaking, and helps someone deal with the situation. But if anxiety becomes a fear of everyday situations, it has become a life-changing disorder.

Panic attacks and anxiety differ in the fact that, while anxiety usually builds to a point, panic attacks can hit at any time with no warning. Unlike anxiety, a panic attack is an irrational fear of something that can't be named. There is rarely any obvious reason for the feelings of panic, and is much more intense than the feelings of anxiety or being overly stressed.

One out of every 75 people in the world will have a panic attack at some point in their lives. The good news is that most of these adults will never have another panic attack. However, these statistics show that panic attacks and anxiety are the most common emotional disorders, even more so than bipolar disorders, ADHD, depression, OCD schizophrenia, phobias, and alcohol abuse. In addition to this, people suffering from panic and anxiety disorders rarely go looking for help with their problem.

Of course, there are similarities between panic attacks and anxiety attacks, and anxiety attacks can lead to panic attacks. Suffer from enough anxiety and it can escalate into a panic attack. So if you begin to find yourself becoming overly anxious, it's time to get help in bringing it under control before it gets too much to cope with.

Panic attacks and anxiety are not pleasant and can actually become quite debilitating. But people who suffer from anxiety or panic attacks can take some comfort in knowing there is help around to lead a regular life. All it takes is asking for the help you need. - 15255

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