What are Panic Attacks?

Our bodies change when panic; why do we these changes?
When we are alarmed or panicked we usually feel the urge to “fight or flight”. When we are faced with the prospect of danger, we will either feel the urge to run away (flight) or to stay and wait out the situation (fight). Your body produces adrenaline that then enables this fight or flight response. It is a normal reaction. The adrenaline is produced very quickly which gives you little time to think through things.

Body Changes Caused by Adrenaline:
·         Sweating (to cool down your muscles)
·         Rapid breathing
·         Heart rate increases
·         Churning stomach (blood leaves your stomach which causes it to feel this way)

Panic attacks usually start when we hyperventilate or over-breathe (fast, shallow breathing in your chest). You then breathe out carbon dioxide and this causes a change in your blood chemistry. You then will experience dizziness, tingling, cramping etc. We then begin to feel stronger symptoms which then may lead to more serious symptoms.  

NOTE: Not everyone who feels anxious has panic attacks.

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