Suffering from Panic Attacks? You Are Not Alone.

Panic Attacks Overview:

A panic attack, panic disorder, or panic attack syndrome is a type of mental disorder. It can also occur due to autosomal inheritance. It associates with the body’s fight or flight response mechanism. In such a situation, a body prepares to either defend or run away. this causes the heart rate to pump up. However, sometimes, even during the normal situations, a panic attack can occur. This is where the problem starts.

What does it feel like?

The panic attack symptoms may include palpitation. A person feels nausea and a light head. Sometimes, sweating and shivering may occur. Shaky legs, trembling, breathing difficulty, confusion occurs. In a few cases, a person may faint or even die.

Panic Attack vs Panic Disorder:

Panic attacks might last for uptown few minutes. However, in the case of a panic disorder, a person may be overly sensitive. This may cause sensitivity to even sunlight, weather changes, or even smell. It may become a phobia. Panic attacks can occur due to childhood trauma, stress, bullying experiences, the threat from anyone, etc. A panic disorder is also known as agoraphobia.

Depression and anxiety can also cause panic attacks. Recent environmental conditions or prevalent diseases can also result in panic attacks. Even substance abuse or other medicines can cause this problem. Also, a physical injury and bad food choices can trigger this.

COVID and Panic Attacks:

COVID has created unprecedented times. Now the world needs to live with this New Normal. People have to live in fear, that they might get COVID. Or they may lose a loved one. Also, what if there comes a new variant? Even the vaccines are not enough to deal with this situation. Wearing masks and social distancing is now the norm. This is causing anxiety, fear of the unknown, more depression.

So, people already suffering from mental disorders are at more risk. Another problem is due to so many common symptoms of new COVID variants. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between a panic attack and COVID. One of the symptoms of COVID is chest tightness and difficulty in breathing. Similar symptoms occur during a panic attack too. This creates confusion for a person who may be suffering from both. A person with a panic attack history may not be able to distinguish between COVID and panic attack symptoms.

So, COVID has added an extra layer of anxiety for those who already suffer from panic attacks or panic disorders. But, since the panic attacks last for a few minutes. COVID symptoms last for uptown 7-14 days as per WHO. Even then advice from a doctor can help.

Yet, the pandemic is not over. Every few months we see a new wave of a new variant. So, the pandemic itself is a cause of the panic attacks. But it is better to learn to cope with such situations instead of giving up. Studies suggest that most people who suffer from COVID die out of fear rather than disease. That is why it is important to learn and get aware of both COVID and panic attacks.

There are many ways to cope with COVID and panic attacks symptoms. However, before getting into coping, one must acquaint with these terms through research and medical expert advice. Firstly, there is a need to distinguish between both. Panic attack lasts for a short span, like uptown a few minutes. But COVID persists for at least a week or so. Also, COVID duration depends upon the variant. Like, recently, OMICRON can survive for as ling as 7 days on plastic surfaces. The isolation period is also 7 days for OMICRON patient. Previously, Delta variant lasted for uptown 12 days. So, as per the variants, isolation, medication and rest is prescribed.

Some of the ways which can help to cope with COVID related panic attacks include following:

1: Understand your Anxiety?

The times are frightening. But it is a good practice to analyse yourself before jumping to the worst conclusion. Understand what is causing stress in your mind. Is there a current situation? Have you been hurt? Is there a relationship problem? Did you lose someone? Do you suffer from an injury or a disease? Are you losing your job? Suffering from work or school related stress? Overburden? etc. These are some of the questions which one must ask to learn of the underlying causes. For this, make a chart and write down the causes. Do not rule out any factor that may be affecting your mental health or causing panic attacks.

2: Get Aware and Stay informed.

It is always good to dig up something through research. By research it is important to learn about a disease or mental disorder like panic attacks from books and valid or authentic articles on web. But do not over do yourself. Do not google every symptom on web. Rather, search for authenticity. Watch for government resources on diseases. or follow WHO for details. There are so many other valid medical practitioners who can guide you. Check out them. Avoid watching or listening to news all the time.

3: Improve your Hygiene:

During the times of COVID, it is good to improve certain life habits. Such as wash your hands as prescribed by WHO. Wear clean dress. Eat clean. Wear a mask in social gatherings. ensure social distancing. Avoid touching your face especially in public.

4: Natural Healing:

Practice deep breathing and yoga techniques. Meditation helps to relax mind. Panic attacks are a state of mental disorder. It is always good to relax mind. Get into physical activities. These are stress relievers. They will develop positive energy in your mind and body. There are so many other techniques like reiki, SAMDA etc. Walk in nature.

5: Stay Connected:

It is best to call a friend or family member. Connect with your dear ones. talk to them. Discuss what is happening in your mind. Share your stories. Start a blog. keep a journal. Share on social media.

Everything is manageable. Try to manage things which are in control. It is not possible to control everything. So, instead of stressing out, think of ways to cope with situation. Fear and anxiety are no solution.