Society has historically ignored mental conditions and families have hidden people away who do not fit in, because there is so much shame associated with a mental illness.
This is the number one reason why people who need panic attacks help do not actively seek help for their condition.
It does not have to be this way.
There have been many new developments in medication and treatment and this condition is highly treatable.
There is no need to feel shame about having a panic disorder.
The stigma of mental illness is lessening more and more in our society, because we have a much better understanding of these conditions now that more research has been done on mental conditions.
Make no mistake; having frequent panic attacks can be a serious condition.
Attacks make the person having an episode feel such terror that they are certain they will not survive it.
Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, dizziness, inability to get enough air, choking, nausea, pins and needles in the fingers and toes, sweating, shaking, hot flashes and cold chills, and a paralyzing terror.
These attacks can occur repeatedly, one after the other, depending on the situation or triggers.
There is various types of panic attacks help available today including medication, psychotherapy or a combination of treatments, including relaxation therapies or self-help remedies you can do on your own.
It is important to take steps to get the help that is needed for recovery, because this condition can be very difficult to live with.
If panic disorder goes untreated, it can consume a person's life.
They may start to develop phobias around people, places, things or activities that trigger these attacks.
This will serve to further isolate a person and eventually worsen their condition.
Quality of life can be severely affected and those who suffer from panic disorder are more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs.
They may also spend more time in hospital emergency rooms and may commit suicide.
It is important to recognize the symptoms, realize that this is a serious condition and to seek treatment.
Attacks can occur at any time.
All it really takes is an elevated level of anxiety.
Sometimes both the physical and psychological causes of panic disorder work together and sometimes it is hard to tell which will cause an attack.
In other words, certain things you do can cause a symptom that looks like a panic attack symptom and because of this, a panic attack can occur.
They may come in waves - one attack subsiding and another one rolling in and the intensity and symptoms can be different over the episodes.
As with any disorder, it is important to have a supportive network of friends and family who understand the illness and help with recovery.
Support groups can be helpful because it is important for a person with a disorder to experience "community" and understand that they are not alone in their suffering.
The most important thing is to take the first step and learn about this disorder, and to seek panic attacks help, whether it is self-help, medication, therapy, or a combination of treatments.