In episode 42: A Warrior’s Journey, Part II, we finish our conversation about PTSD and suicidality with Sergeant Aaron Quinonez. Sgt Q discuss the experience of having a panic attack. In today’s blog, we will discuss panic attacks and their connection to mental health.
What is a Panic Attack?
Perhaps when you’ve been under a lot of stress you’ve quipped that you “panicked”. Actual panic attacks, though, are severe and scary. The onset is often sudden, builds quickly, but has a limited duration. It is a period of intense fear that includes both physical symptoms and frightening thoughts. Panic attacks, especially the first one, are unforgettable, terrifying events. The cause of a panic attack is different person to person. Many people report that their panic attack came out of the blue. Certain situations may be more likely to trigger a panic attack. For example, some individuals experience a panic attack when performing in front of an audience, others when they have multiple deadlines to meet, and yet others when they are alone or in certain social situations. If you tend to be generally anxious or worried, you may be more likely to develop panic attacks.
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
Persons with panic attacks tend to focus on the physical symptoms that they are experiencing. These symptoms may include a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness. The physical symptoms are accompanied with very scary thoughts like:
- “I’m having a heart attack or stroke.”
- “What if I’m about to die?”
- “I’m going ‘crazy’ or losing control.”
- “I will have more and more frequent, intense attacks that will not stop.”
Panic Attacks and Suicide
Persons with panic disorders are at heightened risk for suicidal thoughts and actions. It may be that the person considers death by suicide as a way of escaping the debilitating effects of repeated panic attacks. People with panic attacks typically seek treatment (usually medications) from a general care physician (GP), not a mental health professional. This is probably because of the stigma surrounding mental health care and because the person is experiencing physical symptoms. However, suicidal ideation is often not recognized in general care settings. Some research shows that 50% of those who die by suicide saw their general practitioner in the last month and 20% saw a GP within one day of their death!
Treatment of Panic Attacks
Fortunately, panic attacks can be successfully treated. Usually employing a cognitive-behavioral approach, psychological treatment of panic disorders has been empirically shown to be highly effective. Most people achieve significant control over their symptoms, and they may reach complete remission. While medications can reduce the symptoms of the attacks by calming you, it is recommended that you also engage in therapy with a behavioral health specialist who treats anxiety problems. This therapy is much more than just talking about your life and problems. It is a planned regimen of interventions designed to reduce the number and intensity of the attacks. Think of it as learning a new skill. You might also compare it to physical therapy. You go to an expert who teaches and guides you in exercises to reduce your symptoms.
In Conclusion:
Panic attacks can indeed be scary, but they are very treatable. You do not need to continue to suffer from this problem. Seek treatment from a mental health professional who has expertise with anxiety disorders. Psychological treatment can eliminate the causes of the panic attacks while medications may reduce the immediate symptoms you are experiencing.