Panic Attacks Anxiety Disorder

Panic attacks anxiety disorder and agoraphobia can be debilitating. However, something can certainly be done about it.nnBasically, there are two kinds of panic attacks. One is caused by an external stimuli. The other just hits you (big time!) for no apparent reason. This is the sort that can cause problems.nnIf you're afraid of taking an elevator or of touching a white mouse, then you may have a panic attack when you know that you have to take an elevator or touch that mouse. Eeeek!nnThis external cause of panic is not debilitating, because it's only in specific situations (no disrespect meant to anyone who has this sort of panic). It doesn't stop you from living. You can more or less function normally. More importantly, you still have your independence.nnPanic Attacks Can Lead To AgoraphobiannThe 'out-of-the-blue' panic attacks can cause a huge problem. On average, one in three people with anxiety disorder will go on to develop agoraphobia.nnMany people have panic attacks. If you have the occasional one here and there, it generally doesn't turn into an issue. However, when you have many that hit you from nowhere, you may fear the next one.nnWhen this happens, your panic attacks have turned into a panic disorder, which is one of the anxiety disorders. You may start to avoid a lot of things, for fear of further attacks.nnThis could lead to agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is debilitating. You begin to shut yourself from many things. Your world gets smaller and smaller. It becomes difficult to go out. You lose your independence. Depression may set in.nnHard Work Will Lead To Your ImprovementnnIf you're going through this now, realize that although it is a difficult time and you don't believe you can get better, you actually CAN get better, but you'll need help.nnEducate yourself on what you're going through. Try to understand what is happening. Then look for help in dealing with it. There is lots of help available, even online.nnCognitive behavioral therapy (together with medication) is very helpful. This is not the only form of treatment though. There are others as well, including some drug-free programs that have been successful for thousands. nnThe work that's involved in panic attacks and anxiety disorder with agoraphobia is hard. With help and support, you can get through this and make great strides. Sooner or later, you will need to confront your feelings.nnWith help, these feelings and fears can diminish, making it easier to eventually face. And when you do face them, you'll eventually reduce the fear, eventually overcoming it. You can be free again.