Can Stress Cause Anxiety or Panic Attacks?

Some amount of stress is normal in our lives. We thrive on a little stress because it keeps us focused and enables us to stay mentally alert. Sometimes, though, stress can get out of control and cause us to have anxiety or panic attacks.

The anxiety attacks can come on unnoticed and they can seem like everyday stress-related problems. If these attacks continue to go untreated, they can become out of control in an unsuspecting person.

In order to recognize the indicators for an anxiety attack, you have to understand the symptoms of stress first. Each person experiences stress differently, but some of the general symptoms of stress include problems with memory, confusion, difficulty in concentrating and racing thoughts.

You’ll see some of those symptoms in anxiety attacks as well, but you’ll notice more of the physical symptoms when an attack is occurring. Some people experience shortness of breath, pounding heart rhythm, trembling or shakiness within the body, stomachaches and hot or cold flashes.

When the attack has reached its high point, you’ll notice a feeling of being out of control or losing a grip on yourself. Unfortunately, those experiencing anxiety attacks don’t always recognize their symptoms as an attack.

It sometimes takes someone else who knows them well to realize that there’s something wrong. Once anxiety attacks are suspected in a person, they need to seek out medical attention from a professional who can determine if they’re anxiety attacks and not another medical-related illness.

When the physician rules out anything medical and determines that they are anxiety attacks, he may start them on some type of medication to help relieve them of some of the symptoms and encourage the patient to seek a counselor.

A counselor will listen to the patient’s history and determine what stressing factors could be causing their symptoms. Once the patient gets a handle on the contributing factors for their attacks, a treatment plan would then be set up, based on the patient’s situation. A counselor can help them work through the stressors and show them ways to alleviate the stress causing their symptoms.

There are many websites devoted to the use of relaxation techniques that reduce symptoms to a more manageable level and breathing exercises to improve oxygen intake, which could help slow down a racing heart rhythm.

When everyday stress escalates, there are many ways to settle the overwhelming feelings of edginess. Getting the proper help is a start to calming the anxious emotions raging within you. Finding out what stressors cause those emotions and learning how to combat them can bring a sense of relief and feelings of comfort to know that you can overcome anxiety or panic attacks.

Related posts:

1. Panic Attack Symptoms that are Easily Mistaken
2. Natural Remedies for Anxiety
3. 7 Natural Ways to Ease Stress
4. Symptoms of a Panic Attack
5. Stress Reduction Tips for Women