Panic Disorder affects billions worldwide.  Anxiety and panic attacks take their toll on the lives of everyone they touch, making it difficult to perform the simplest of life’s tasks.  Do you think you have this disorder?  Find out below with our symptom checker:

The Symptoms of a Panic Attack:

-Flushed feelings, skin is hot

-Clammy hands and cold sweat

-Choking sensation or inability to swallow

-Tightness around ribs and chest

-Racing heart beat

-Feeling of impending doom or derealization

One of the number one misconceptions about panic disorder is that there is always a trigger like stress at work, anger, or nervousness about a specific task or person.  This could not be further from the truth.  Panic attacks can occur at random, without warning, thus making it a pervasive element in the life of those experiencing it.  The cycle usually begins with one panic attack, and continues with many more based solely on the fear of recurrence.

When someone suffers panic in their daily life, it can lead to Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD.  GAD is different from panic disorder, but usually goes hand in hand.  GAD renders its victim helpless leaving the sufferer in a constant state of anxiety.  The symptoms of a panic attack can often be felt constantly, but in a milder form than a full blown panic attack.  GAD usually occurs after someone has suffered panic disorder, and can sometimes be more crippling, while generally be more subtle.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

-Constant feelings of edginess

-A feeling of separation from reality

-Constant fear of a panic attack that keeps you from living your life

-Fear of the unknown or new situations

-Constant physical symptoms (lump in throat, breathing difficulties)

-Constant fear of having a medical problem regardless of a clean bill of health

-Depression and a feeling that the disorder will never end

I know more than I ever wanted to about these disorders, having suffered from them for five years of my life.  It is hard for friends and family to understand the fear and loneliness a sufferer feels, and can often react with anger and frustration.  These reactions only serve to make the problem worse instead of improving matters.

The most important thing a sufferer should know is that they are not alone, and that their feelings of panic started because of certain mental patterns unique to the sufferer that were learned throughout their entire lives.  The upside to this fact is that what was learned can be UNLEARNED.  By recognizing the underlying causes, even when it seems like there is no reason at all, we can begin the process of healing our damaged psyche.

You are not losing your mind, and you are going to be just fine.  The first step is to seek the help of a medical care professional to rule out any physical cause for your symptoms.  The treatment for anxiety varies from person to person, and there are no “one size fits all” treatments.  The ultimate elixir will come from within.  When you are equipped with the skills necessary to defeat anxiety once and for all, you can rid yourself of the affliction feeling empowered with the knowledge that you helped yourself.   I hope this article has given you the encouragement you need to take back your life, and finally be free of panic and anxiety!  The time to LIVE is now!

For more information on curing anxiety and panic disorder, visit the Anxiety Help Center!

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