Panic Attacks and the Fear of Losing Control

<h1>Panic Attacks and the Fear of Losing Control</h1>Author: <a title="Sondra Millard" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/sondra-millard/240781.htm">Sondra Millard</a> We all like to think we are competent individuals who are in control of ourselves and our lives. But for those who suffer from panic attacks, a very great fear is the loss of control while having an attack. This is a common dread, and it's something that should be addressed. Putting the fear to rest will go a long way towards reducing your anxiety and panicky feelings. When you have a panic attack, you experience a variety of unpleasant physical and emotional sensations. People who've had such an episode often learn to dread having another. They spend much of their time worrying about when or if another one will strike. But since we know that a panic attack will not physically harm you, what is really so scary about it? The underlying worry may be losing control of your body or behavior. What if you started acting bizarrely? What if other people saw you curled up on the floor, or striking out at anything in your path? What if you started crying or screaming uncontrollably? What if you lost control of their bodily functions or began to vomit? What if... you can fill in the blank with your own secret fear. It's important for sufferers to put this terror into perspective. The reality is that someone having a panic attack rarely loses control. People nearby most likely won't even notice anything wrong. This fear is a symptom of the general anxiety and stress that you are experiencing. It's not a predictor of the future. As a panic attack sufferer, you already have considerable anxiety in your life. Your body and mind are under stress. Sometimes you feel like a pressure cooker ready to blow its top. A panic attack would be the final trigger to cause you to lose control, or so your anxiety is telling you. However, when you turn down your level of anxiety, through mental or physical stress reduction techniques, you will automatically diminish the fear of losing control. And you will have less fear and dread about having another panic attack. Controlling your breathing can be a major step in overcoming anxiety. It sounds too simplistic. But those who learn correct breathing methods and practice the skill regularly report that they feel less anxious. If they start to feel bad, they are able to bring mind and body back to a more balanced state, simply by breathing properly. Fear of losing control is something that causes panic attack sufferers a lot of distress. It may even keep you from going places or doing things you want to do, so it's important to deal with the fear. Remember that even in the middle of a panic attack, you're not in physical danger, and you have more control than you may think.About the Author: Discover how to <a href="http://www.eliminatepanicattacks.com">overcome panic</a> and get rid of anxiety attacks, FAST. Visit <a href="http://panicattackhelpnow.com"><a target="_blank" href="http://panicattackhelpnow.com">http://panicattackhelpnow.com</a></a> to learn more. 
Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/panic-attacks-and-the-fear-of-losing-control-1277991.html" title="Panic Attacks and the Fear of Losing Control">Panic Attacks and the Fear of Losing Control</a>

We all like to think we are competent individuals who are in control of ourselves and our lives. But for those who suffer from panic attacks, a very great fear is the loss of control while having an attack. This is a common dread, and it's something that should be addressed. Putting the fear to rest will go a long way towards reducing your anxiety and panicky feelings.

When you have a panic attack, you experience a variety of unpleasant physical and emotional sensations. People who've had such an episode often learn to dread having another. They spend much of their time worrying about when or if another one will strike. But since we know that a panic attack will not physically harm you, what is really so scary about it? The underlying worry may be losing control of your body or behavior.

What if you started acting bizarrely? What if other people saw you curled up on the floor, or striking out at anything in your path? What if you started crying or screaming uncontrollably? What if you lost control of their bodily functions or began to vomit? What if... you can fill in the blank with your own secret fear.

It's important for sufferers to put this terror into perspective. The reality is that someone having a panic attack rarely loses control. People nearby most likely won't even notice anything wrong.

This fear is a symptom of the general anxiety and stress that you are experiencing. It's not a predictor of the future. As a panic attack sufferer, you already have considerable anxiety in your life. Your body and mind are under stress. Sometimes you feel like a pressure cooker ready to blow its top. A panic attack would be the final trigger to cause you to lose control, or so your anxiety is telling you.

However, when you turn down your level of anxiety, through mental or physical stress reduction techniques, you will automatically diminish the fear of losing control. And you will have less fear and dread about having another panic attack.

Controlling your breathing can be a major step in overcoming anxiety. It sounds too simplistic. But those who learn correct breathing methods and practice the skill regularly report that they feel less anxious. If they start to feel bad, they are able to bring mind and body back to a more balanced state, simply by breathing properly.

Fear of losing control is something that causes panic attack sufferers a lot of distress. It may even keep you from going places or doing things you want to do, so it's important to deal with the fear. Remember that even in the middle of a panic attack, you're not in physical danger, and you have more control than you may think.

Discover how to overcome panic and get rid of anxiety attacks, FAST. Visit http://panicattackhelpnow.com to learn more.

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/panic-attacks-and-the-fear-of-losing-control-1277991.html

Article Tags: Symptoms, Anxiety, Panic Attack, Panic Disorder

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

The Effect of Panic Attacks on the Body

Play

Rock Band 2: Panic Attack

Play

Rock Band - Panic Attack by Dream Theater

Play

Rock Band - Panic Attack by Dream Theater

Play

Rock Band 2 - Panic Attack Guitar & Drums Gold-Stars

Latest Mental Health Articles
More from Sondra Millard

Panic Attacks – What Could Happen If You Don't Get Treatment?

By: John Cielo | 21/12/2009
At the onset of panic attacks or disorder, it is best to go see your doctor immediately and have it evaluated as this will not only give you a clear understanding of what condition you are undergoing, but this could also prevent the aggravation of the disorder. Here are several possible scenarios if you do not get panic attacks intervention immediately:

Panic Attacks Myths

By: John Cielo | 21/12/2009
Misinformation does not only create vague pictures of a condition but will also likely cause people to believe things that do not actually exist. Among those conditions that typically receive serious amounts of myths are psychological and behavioral disorders, partly because psychological conditions are often hard to understand and seem mysterious. In this article, we will try to debug the myths of one of the more common behavioral conditions—panic attacks.

Self Help Anxiety

By: Ken Thomas | 21/12/2009
You’ve heard it said that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Maybe that’s not true in all instances, but surprisingly enough, you really can help yourself defeat anxiety attacks.

Panic Attack Medications - Do You Really Need Them?

By: John Cielo | 21/12/2009
Medications, a quick fix solution, are the most common way out of panic attacks. They are, for sure, not the ultimate solution to all behavioral dysfunction and many people have become well without the aid of them. Nonetheless, they are still being prescribed for two reasons—because they work and because they are convenient.

Handling Anxiety Attacks

By: John Cielo | 20/12/2009
Anxiety attacks can be seen as an abnormal and irrational panic over trivial things or accidents or for no reason at all. Attacks usually occur without warning and a person can simply burst into fear. Triggers can cause anxiety attack – like getting stuck in the elevator or being called to recite in the class – but in other cases, attacks come out of the blue.

Anxiety Attack Treatments

By: John Cielo | 20/12/2009
Anxiety attacks are frightening but the good thing is, episodes are generally harmless. In most cases, attacks rarely last for more than 30 minutes, with peak of intensity within the first 10 minutes. What make such attacks dangerous is if it becomes chronic and if it already affects the well-being of a person and already disrupts his normal way of life.

Eliminate Age Spots – But Effectively And Permanently

By: Frank Langella | 20/12/2009
Tell me does this happen to you that you wake up in the morning and suddenly feel sad about the new age spots that seem to have grown overnight on your face? If you are looking for a way to eliminate age spots, here is something that can provide you long lasting help.

An Alternative to Marriage Counseling

By: Lynda | 20/12/2009
Marriage counseling is based in the field of psychology, but most people who seek marriage counseling are not mentally ill. Most couples who need help in their relationship would benefit from an alternative to marriage counseling. Relationship coaching is brief, and focuses on communication skills rather that psychoanalysis.

How Panic Attacks Can Affect Your Life

By: Sondra Millard | 28/09/2009 | Mental Health
It's estimated that 2 to 4 percent of the population will experience panic disorder or panic attacks sometime during their lives. Panic attacks and panic disorder are serious issues that can change your life, and not in a good way.

Panic Attacks - How Cognitive-behavioral Therapy Can Help

By: Sondra Millard | 28/09/2009 | Mental Health
Are you struggling to deal with anxiety and panic attacks in your life? No matter how overwhelming your problem may seem, there are effective treatments for it. Medication can provide some relief from your symptoms, but some people are reluctant to take drugs or would prefer to limit the duration. Another option that is often recommended for panic attack sufferers is cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The Causes and Treatments of Panic Attacks - What You Should Know

By: Sondra Millard | 28/09/2009 | Mental Health
The release of certain chemicals by the brain when it perceives danger is the most basic cause of panic attacks. But what causes the release of these chemicals is not completely understood by medical professionals. Why do some people respond to a particular situation with anxiety or panic, while others take the situation in stride?

Recognizing the Symptoms of Panic Attacks - What Everyone Should Know

By: Sondra Millard | 28/09/2009 | Mental Health
The onset of panic attacks can be as sudden as it is disabling. When you experience one you may feel as though you are having a heart attack or going insane. Fortunately, you are not truly in medical danger, and you certainly aren't losing your mind. However, because the physical sensations feel so real, panic disorders can be misdiagnosed.

Living with Panic Attacks - What You Need to Know

By: Sondra Millard | 28/09/2009 | Mental Health
Living with panic attacks or someone who has them can be a challenge. However, when you are armed with the right knowledge, panic attacks don't need to ruin your life or negatively affect the ones you love.

Need Panic Attack Help? 3 Reasons to Take Medication for Anxiety and 3 Reasons Not to Take It

By: Sondra Millard | 25/09/2009 | Mental Health
Are you at the point where you're considering taking some medication to control your panic attacks and anxiety? As with most important decisions, there are two sides to consider. Here are three reasons to take medication and three reasons not to.