Cause and Symptoms of a Panic Attack?

Hi there!!!

Do you know what causes a panic attack?

Believe it or not, you and only you create the panic attacks you're having. I'm sure this is not the answer that you were expecting or wanting to hear, but it is the truth. I will show you how you create them.

It is your reaction to certain situations that causes you to experience body symptoms such as; palpitations, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing etc. Next you begin to talk to yourself in a negative manner, making statements such statements as: "What's wrong with me? Why is my heart beating so fast? I'm going to pass out! I'm going to die! I've got to get out of here!"
You and only you are creating your own fear, scaring yourself to the point of internal anxiety.

Internal anxiety is obviously created internallly. You create it by thinking or saying negative phrases or statements. What if I pass out? What if I embarrass myself? What if I get in a car accident? What if I fail my exam? What if I am having a heart attack...........what if, what if, what if...............it's endless.

So, one scary thought leads to another and to another and so one until you are having a "full blown" panic attack. With each negative thought you think or say, you are causing yourself to experience more and more anxious feelings. If you truly want to overcome this emotional rolercoaster, it is crucial that you understand and also accept that you create your own thoughts, therefore you also have control over them......................your choice!!!

Next we have what is called external anxiety. External anxiety is just the opposite of internal anxiety. It is created by outside situations that you have no control over. Some exmples would be; being in a car accident, someone breaking into your home, a death of a family member or close friend, or a "heated" agrument with someone etc. These situations would definitely creat anxiety.

Obviously there is a difference between internal anxiety and external anxiety. Internal anxiety you can control and external anxiety you cannot. The problem with this is, is that your body does not realize the difference between the two, what is real fear and what is not. So then your body begins releasing chemical stimulants such as adrenaline, cortisol and sodium lactate. The more you worry about the symptoms you're feeling, the more chemicals are released, creating a strong surge of energy. The end result..........a panic attack.

This sheer terror you experience is very real and extremely frightening. But although you may feel out of control, you couldn't be further from the truth. You are the only person who can control whether you have a panic attack or not.

Ever wonder why you begin to feel a calmness come over you once you get out of the situation that you feel caused the panic attack, or why once you get closer to your "safe" person or place, you feel more relieved? The reason being is that you begin to have positive thoughts. Here are some examples below:

* "I will feel better once I get home."
* "The panic attack will go away when he (your spouse) gets home."
* "I will be fine when I get out of this store."
* "I will be okay when I leave this party."

THINK ABOUT THIS.......................................

There is no way possible that a shopping mall, driving a car, going to a party, attending church or even flying in an airplane can make you have a panic attack.

It is your negative thinking that is causing you to have a panic attack!!!


"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You much do the thing which you think you cannot do"
~ Eleanor Roosevelt