What
is a panic attack?
A Panic Attack is a natural
drive to move away from danger or defend ourselves from danger and leaves
us with two simple choices. We could either run or, if desperate enough,
we could fight. In this case, a panic attack is called the 'fight or
flight response'.
The mind can be triggered and a panic
attack occurs fast and unconsciously. This unconscious reaction is
highly important. People who suffer panic attacks often report that "they
come from nowhere" and this is an essential part of the fight or flight
response.
If you are in a
threatening situation either conscious or more often unconscious your mind
reacts in this fight or flight response which is why you can often be in a
situation where all is well and safe or in a place you have been before
without any problem and suddenly experience a panic attack.
What happens during a
panic attack?
Several things happen
as your body alters its priorities from long term survival to emergency
short term survival. In response to the release of hormones such as
adrenaline, your blood pressure increases and breathing speeds up
preparing you for muscular effort.
Your legs may shake as they are prepared
for running; your hands may shake as the large muscles of your arms are
prepared to fight. Your palms and feet may become sweaty to give you
better grip.
Blood is shunted away from the stomach to
the major muscle groups where it will be used during an emergency. This is
why people who experience regular stress often have digestive problems:
blood is constantly being pumped to areas other than the stomach.
Other changes that occur during a panic
attack, or fight or flight response are that the pupils dilate to let in
more light, so we can gain more information about the situation. You may
also feel like vomiting or defecating.
Some hyperventilation and panic attack
symptoms are: