Are panic attacks life threatening?

In today’s era of choking deadlines and nerve-wrecking schedules, have we lost track of our health? Why have panic attacks become so common that we find numerous cases being rushed to the emergency rooms? While we can blame all we want on the money-centric lifestyle, is stress the only factor that contributes to a situation like this? In fact, the reasons are infinite; some known and some unknown! While public speeches, responsibilities, and targets might trigger an attack in a few, emotional trauma, breakups or death of loved ones lead to the same in others.

Panic attacks are mighty enough that they can happen anywhere regardless of the place, time, or occasion. Most importantly, does a panic attack have anything to do with the heart? Not really! Fear, anxiety, breathlessness, and nervousness due to a happening that overwhelms the person is what causes a panic attack and no it has more to do with the tightening of chest muscles than the arteries of the heart.

How does one know he’s under a panic attack?

A strange thing about panic attacks is that it can happen even in sleep or when the person is simply calm and composed like on any other regular day. He/she might sweat uncontrollably, lose consciousness, or even feel like being clouded by death. But, the fact is that panic attacks most often don’t bring death. The feeling is kind of hallucinating and urges you to believe that death is nearing but, in reality, the person is in no way going to die from a panic attack.

Kids and teens with autism are more prone to having panic attacks and hence, love, help, and guidance from parents, teachers, and dear ones could help them conquer fear in the realms of daily life.

Ways to overcome a panic attack

In order to overcome a panic attack, you should first understand that you are having one. Many a times, people wouldn’t even know that they are going through something like this. If you are someone who often becomes anxious about things, people, or surroundings, make sure you have a basic knowledge about the symptoms of panic attacks in general.
1. Practice relaxing exercises to keep your mind stable and in control
2. Overcome fears that you often worry about
3. Have uninterrupted sleep time to keep yourself at peace
4. Chant a mantra or your favorite phrase whenever you feel anxious
5. Spend time with loved ones more often to create a happier space around you

Panic attacks are definitely not life threatening but create a feeling of dreadfulness which interrupts your mental balance when unattended. Though not a serious crisis, frequent panic attacks aren’t a good sign and have to be dealt with as early as possible.