Having a panic attack is one of the most often experienced disorders in the world. It is estimated that 4-5% of people are severely impacted, in one way or another. When a panic attack happens, a normal day can turn into an hand-wringing, jittery, can’t sit still time. like what a husband is feeling when he’s eagerly waiting for his wife to give birth to their child.
A “little” anxiety is not a bad thing. It helps protect you from potential danger, whether real or imagined. Let me elaborate.
Humans are the most amazing and intriguing creatures on earth. One of the most distinctive features of we humans is our having feelings. This is not to say that animals do not have feelings, what humans experience has a depth and significance that go far beyond what animals feel.
For feelings that deliver us good, we look for ways to improve it further. For feelings that deliver us harm and pain, we do the opposite and try to reduce it or get away from it as much as we can. Anxiety is no exception. We should not try to totally eradicate harmful feelings because at least some of them are not 100% harmful. The idea is to control and not be controlled.
Let’s use fear as an example. Fear, as you know, is one of the most frequently experienced emotions we as humans have. It is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) deterrents to our success. Yet in spite of the fact that most people don’t like fear, it also has its own silver lining. Fear can help us from being hurt, both physically and emotionally. The “little” fear inherent within us is actually good for us. We need that “little” amount of fear.
The same is true with panic. A “little” panic can serve as a form of self protection. But being consumed with excessive panic may hinder you from functioning at a normal level and may prevent you from taking action when action needs to be taken.
Panic attacks are actually a not a “physical” problem. It is the result of chemicals being released by the brain to combat a perceived threat or danger and it is not uncontrolable. While the danger may only be perceived, it should not progress to the level of an “attack”. In a dangerous situation, this leaves you vulnerable. In a non-dangerous situation, it just leaves you unable to respond.
While panic symptoms are not abnormal, you also should not have to endure. There is help available. Life is too short to be hindered with anxieties. Find out more here about how to eliminate panic and anxiety.