Khaberni - Panic attacks are increasingly prevalent with the acceleration of daily life and the accompanying psychological pressures, and are considered one of the most anxiety-provoking disorders for mental and physical health.
The Cleveland Clinic defines panic attacks as sudden instances of intense fear, accompanied by strong physical reactions that occur even in situations that are not life-threatening.
Usually, an attack lasts between 5 to 20 minutes, and in some cases may last longer, causing feelings of losing control or fear of imminent danger.
Severe and sudden symptoms
During a panic attack, the body enters a state of acute stress response, which may include chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, as well as dizziness, trembling, and intense fear, leading some to believe they are experiencing a serious condition.
However, doctors affirm that these episodes, despite their severity, usually do not pose a direct threat to life.
3 Steps to Control the Attack
In an educational post, neurologist Dr. Rahul Chawla presented three basic steps to help alleviate and manage a panic attack when it occurs:
First, recognize that what is happening is a panic attack, and remind oneself that it is a temporary condition that will pass.
Second, focus on slow and deep breathing, which helps calm the body's stress response and restore balance.
Third, "grounding" by focusing on the surrounding environment, such as looking at nearby objects, listening to sounds, and relaxing the muscles to return to the present moment.
Doctors confirm that most panic attacks end spontaneously within minutes and do not require urgent medical intervention, unless the symptoms are severe or frequent enough to disrupt daily life.
When does the situation become concerning?
Although attacks are often temporary, the persistence of symptoms for long periods or losing control over them necessitates consulting a specialist to evaluate the condition and provide appropriate treatment.
