Panic Disorder Q&A
Panic disorder sounds like a very serious abnormal behavior disorder doesn’t it? When you think of people who suffer from attacks, you might think of someone who goes nuts all of sudden and starts going into spasms for no apparent reason. Even though you are not entirely wrong, there a lot of misconceptions about panic disorder.
Here is a short interview with Doctor Montgomery about panic disorder.
Q: What is panic disorder and its connection with panic attacks?
A: Panic disorder is a subcategory of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders mean that the patient is anxious about future events and fearful of current events. With panic disorder, the way someone shows their anxiety and fear is by getting panic attacks.
Q: What causes panic attacks?
A: Panic disorder can run in families. But usually what triggers panic attacks is when you are overly nervous and scared during a situation. It can feel overwhelming at the time and your brain tends to feel like you are in danger even when you are not. Getting panic attacks does not mean you have a panic disorder. Someone can get a panic attack, not know about it, then go on living their lives without another one ever again. Everyone has something different that triggers their anxiety. Also some people will have panic attacks when something similar happens that triggered their previous attack.
Q: What happens during panic attacks?
A: Adrenaline will be released which causes the heart rate to rise. You might be breathing very quickly or maybe feel like not being able to breath. You could feel dizzy or faint while sweating and shivering. Nausea would also be common because the digestive system shuts down making you to feel sick. Along with the physical symptoms you may feel smothered and claustrophobic, wanting to get out of the situation and from people in general.
Q: How does someone to deal with panic attacks?
A: First of all, get out of the situation that is making you panic. Staying there will only make things worse or not do anything to calm you. After that, try taking deep breathes to calm yourself. You could also try working off the adrenaline that will also help calm you. Seeking professional help from a doctor will also be a good idea. If you notice that you have panic attacks quite often, don’t think that you are able to deal with it by yourself.
Q: How can someone avoid panic attacks?
A: Remember to take things easy. Especially if you have panic disorder, it’s important for you to not feel rushed or tense in your everyday life. For example, try walking slower while travelling and try to not rush anywhere. Another thing that might help is to listen to music that is calming to you. It can help you feel at ease when everything around you is busy and rushed. One more tip is for you to have tiny breaks and be well-organized, especially when you have a lot of work to do. Getting enough rest will also help keep you calmer in more hectic times.
Q: How do you deal with a friend that is having a panic attack?
A: It’s important for you to stay calm and collected. It will not benefit your friend when both of you are freaking out. Also be patient with your friend and let them do things at their pace. This ties in with not assuming what your friend needs, ask them. You should try to avoid making them talk. While they are panicking, they may not feel like talking about their day. Lastly, you should also stay positive during and after their panic attack. They would may feel insecure, depressed, and sad, so encourage them and let them know that you are there for them.
Q: How can I live a normal and fulfilling life?
Here is a short interview with Doctor Montgomery about panic disorder.
Q: What is panic disorder and its connection with panic attacks?
A: Panic disorder is a subcategory of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders mean that the patient is anxious about future events and fearful of current events. With panic disorder, the way someone shows their anxiety and fear is by getting panic attacks.
Q: What causes panic attacks?
A: Panic disorder can run in families. But usually what triggers panic attacks is when you are overly nervous and scared during a situation. It can feel overwhelming at the time and your brain tends to feel like you are in danger even when you are not. Getting panic attacks does not mean you have a panic disorder. Someone can get a panic attack, not know about it, then go on living their lives without another one ever again. Everyone has something different that triggers their anxiety. Also some people will have panic attacks when something similar happens that triggered their previous attack.
Q: What happens during panic attacks?
A: Adrenaline will be released which causes the heart rate to rise. You might be breathing very quickly or maybe feel like not being able to breath. You could feel dizzy or faint while sweating and shivering. Nausea would also be common because the digestive system shuts down making you to feel sick. Along with the physical symptoms you may feel smothered and claustrophobic, wanting to get out of the situation and from people in general.
Q: How does someone to deal with panic attacks?
A: First of all, get out of the situation that is making you panic. Staying there will only make things worse or not do anything to calm you. After that, try taking deep breathes to calm yourself. You could also try working off the adrenaline that will also help calm you. Seeking professional help from a doctor will also be a good idea. If you notice that you have panic attacks quite often, don’t think that you are able to deal with it by yourself.
Q: How can someone avoid panic attacks?
A: Remember to take things easy. Especially if you have panic disorder, it’s important for you to not feel rushed or tense in your everyday life. For example, try walking slower while travelling and try to not rush anywhere. Another thing that might help is to listen to music that is calming to you. It can help you feel at ease when everything around you is busy and rushed. One more tip is for you to have tiny breaks and be well-organized, especially when you have a lot of work to do. Getting enough rest will also help keep you calmer in more hectic times.
Q: How do you deal with a friend that is having a panic attack?
A: It’s important for you to stay calm and collected. It will not benefit your friend when both of you are freaking out. Also be patient with your friend and let them do things at their pace. This ties in with not assuming what your friend needs, ask them. You should try to avoid making them talk. While they are panicking, they may not feel like talking about their day. Lastly, you should also stay positive during and after their panic attack. They would may feel insecure, depressed, and sad, so encourage them and let them know that you are there for them.
Q: How can I live a normal and fulfilling life?