Panic attacks are common for those who have depression. Over time depression worsens if not treated. It can lead to feeling out of control and as is there is no way out of a situation. When depression goes untreated, over time the brain begins to restructure. The brain can experience a "fight or flight" response to the depression.
Fight or flight is a natural human response from events in our environment. Say you are walking down a dark alley when a tall man with a dark beard, bandana around his head and chains around his neck carrying what appears to be a knife in his hand. In response to this, the brain will begin to communicate to other parts of the brain and body in order for you to make a plan and escape for your safety.
Some experts believe that this fight or flight response stays on instead of shutting off. Panic attacks are deliberating because your heart begins to beat fast, the mind wonders and worries to the degree it feels that you are losing your mind. You feel that you have lost control and feel trapped in your body. Many people end up rushing to the emergency room because it can feel like you are dying.
What can I do to Stop Panic Attacks?
• To help with panic attacks, begin to deal with your depression. Having panic attacks is a sign that something is wrong in your life and there needs to be special attention to it now.
• Aside from discussing your problem with your doctor, identify what may be the cause of the panic attacks and find a coping strategy to handle it before another panic attack occurs.
• You can also begin to rewire how you perceive the event that triggers a panic attack, and find someone to talk to and who can give you support. Talking with someone can make you feel better and give you comfort. You can learn how to retrain how you perceive the trauma or stressful event with your copy of When Your Mind Is Clear, the Sun Shines All the Time.
