Stress and Panic Attacks

The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘stress’ as a state of affair involving demand on physical or mental energy". It is generally seen that stress disturbs the mental and physical health of an individual. It is the consequence that is faced when the human body fails to respond to the emotional and physical threats caused to him. While moderate stress is normal and even proves to be useful at times, extreme stress is detrimental to the human health. Relationship demands, physical and mental problems, pressure at workplace and various other tensions may be the one of the few causes the result in stress. Headache, irregular bowel syndrome, eating disorder, insomnia, backaches, fatigue, hypertension, asthma, etc. are all stress related diseases.

There are different methods of coping with stress. The most sensible way is to try and bring about a change in one’s lifestyle. Besides this, relaxation techniques such as meditation, physical exercises, deep breathing, etc. It is always to cope with stress if we learn to face the reason voluntarily. The smartest way to ward off stress is to laugh it away. During stress corticosteroids are released from the adrenal gland, which in turn are converted to cortisol in the blood stream. Laughter is the best medicine for beating stress. It reduces blood pressure, reduces hypertension, and relaxes the body muscles and many more. A person should try solving small everyday problems and try to regain confidence in him. It is also better to seek the help of others if one cannot deal with it.

Panic attacks are caused suddenly during periods of intense anxiety often mounting to stomach problems or even cognitive or psychosomatic problems. Even though panic attacks occur randomly, psychologists attribute it to an evolutionary response, which is better known as fight or flight. In response to this, the body release adrenaline epinephrine hormones that work as a defense mechanism against harm. Experiencing a panic attack can be one of the most uncomfortable situations in a person’s life, causing a huge setback. However, most of us are unable to distinguish a panic attack from a nervous breakdown or even a heart attack. The common symptoms of panic attack include trembling, chest pain, palpitation, shortness of breath, hot or cold flashes, sensations of choking and various others.

There are many causes of panic attacks. Panic attack may be inherited as a hereditary disease. Again, biological diseases like obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, deficiency of vitamin B, infection from tapeworm, etc. Phobias to certain objects or situations may also cause panic attack. Significant personal loss, including a break-up with a partner and stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, etc. can trigger panic attacks. Antibiotics like methylphenidate and fluoroquinolone can also cause panic attacks as side effects. A person experiencing a panic attack should first try to relax his muscles groups one at a time. He should then try to breathe slowly and try to talk gently. However, it is always better to consult a physician in these cases.