Panic attacks are a major symptom of panic disorder. About 35 percent of people experience panic attacks, still, it is often misunderstood. There are a lot of things that people still are not familiar with when it comes to panic attacks. Surprisingly, this topic is rarely discussed. You can find and consult the best online doctors if you suffer from panic disorder to get relief from it.
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about panic disorder and panic attacks. This has created many confusions about panic attacks in people’s minds. So much so that many people think that panic attacks are just an overreaction to a situation or event that a person can not control. They believe that these attacks one’s overreactions to stress. This just leads to false beliefs and wrong evaluations of the person’s characteristics. If you have ever had a panic attack, even you may be unaware of some facts about these panic attacks. Having said that, here are the 4 facts about panic attacks that you should get familiar with.
Fact 1. Panic Attacks Can Happen While You Are Asleep
It sounds strange, but it is possible that you may experience a panic attack while you are asleep. Panic attacks that occur while you are asleep are called ‘nocturnal panic attacks’. These attacks can startle you out of your sleep, and you wake up gasping for air. This can easily scare anyone. Well, not a very good way to wake up. The symptoms are similar to the symptoms of daytime panic attacks, which involves excessive sweating, shaking, and chest pains. If you are experiencing these nocturnal panic attacks, you should immediately seek professional help.
Fact 2. Panic Attacks Don’t Always Need a Trigger
Sometimes you can pinpoint the exact cause of a panic attack, but sometimes panic attacks don’t need a trigger. Panic attacks can just occur out of nowhere and can happen at any stage of your life. It is very common for people to have one or two panic attacks, and then they never experience any. People who have the panic disorder can have regular and recurring panic attacks.
Fact 3. Regular Exercise And Good Diet Can be Beneficial
Your lifestyle choices impact your experience with panic attacks. Research shows that regular exercise and proper nutrition can help in reducing stress and tension related to anxiety. It also helps in decreasing the tightness throughout your body. This can help in decreasing the frequency of panic attacks too. Studies show that some foods and substances can act as a trigger from anxiety and other symptoms of panic attacks. These may include –
- Excessive amounts of caffeine
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Alcohol
Fact 4. It is Possible to Treat Panic Attacks
Here’s good news for you, professional treatment can help in treating panic attacks. Some of the major tools that professionals use to treat people with panic attacks include – medication, stress management, and psychotherapy. The treatment can help in reducing the intensity and also the frequency of panic attacks.
