What does it mean to suffer an Anxiety Attack?

Anxiety is commonly described as a natural emotion that most people will experience at some point in their lives. It is that feeling of restlessness or nervousness before an important interview or when facing unknown situations. However, in some cases, this anxiety can take a more overwhelming turn, leading to what is known as an anxiety attack.

Having an anxiety attack can be a very confusing and debilitating experience, so it's normal to wonder What does it mean to suffer an anxiety attack and what psychobiological explanations may be behind it?. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail, answering this question and offering you ways to deal with an anxiety attack.

• Related article: "Types of Anxiety Disorders and their characteristics"

What is an anxiety attack?

An anxiety attack, also known as a panic attack, is an overwhelming experience of intense anxiety and fear for no apparent reason or obvious trigger. During an anxiety attack, a person may feel a number of physical and emotional symptoms that can be frightening and debilitating. These symptoms can vary from person to person, but commonly include:

• heart palpitations: Many people experience a significant acceleration of their heartbeat, which can make them feel like they are having a heart attack.
• Excessive sweating: During an anxiety attack, it is common to sweat profusely, even if the room temperature is low.
• Tremors and chills: Uncontrollable shaking and chills are common symptoms during an anxiety attack.
• Difficulty breathing: The feeling of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is common, which can further increase anxiety.
• Feeling of suffocation or suffocation: Some people feel like they are being suffocated or short of breath during an anxiety attack.
• Chest pain: Chest pain is another symptom that can lead to the mistaken belief that you are experiencing a serious heart problem.
• Feeling of depersonalization or unreality: People may feel like they are disconnected from reality or that they are seeing their surroundings as if it were a dream.
• Fear of losing control or going crazy: During an anxiety attack, the fear of losing control or going crazy is common.

The duration of an anxiety attack is variable, usually peaking within the first 10-15 minutes, but some symptoms may persist longer. These episodes are often unpredictable and can occur at any time, which can cause sufferers to live in constant fear of their next occurrence.

Causes of an anxiety attack

Anxiety attacks can be triggered by a variety of factors, and it is often a combination of these that triggers this overwhelming experience. It is important to remember that these causes are usually highly individual and complex. What is a trigger for one person may not be a trigger for another. Some of the common causes of anxiety attacks include:

1. Genetic factors

There is evidence that anxiety may have a genetic basis. If you have a family history of anxiety or related disorders, you may be at higher risk of experiencing anxiety attacks.

• You may be interested: "Genetic psychology: what it is and how it was developed by Jean Piaget"

2. Acute or chronic stress

Stress is a common trigger for anxiety attacks. The demands of everyday life, such as work, personal relationships, or financial problems, can increase the likelihood of having an anxiety attack.

3. Past traumas

Traumatic experiences, such as abuse, accidents, or violent events, can leave a deep mark on the mind and increase susceptibility to anxiety attacks.

• Related article: "What is trauma and how does it influence our lives?"

4. Medical illnesses and mental health conditions

Some andMedical illnesses and mental disorders, such as thyroid disease, depression, or panic disorder, can contribute to the occurrence of anxiety attacks.

5. Substance use

Substance abuse, such as alcohol or drugs, can trigger anxiety attacks or worsen symptoms in people prone to anxiety.

How to deal with an anxiety attack

Facing an anxiety attack can be a challenging experience, but there are effective strategies that can help you deal with these episodes. It is important to remember that dealing with an anxiety attack takes time and practice. In conclusion, here are some tips that you can consider to deal with an anxiety attack:

1. Deep breathing

Practice the deep breathing can help you regain control during an anxiety attack. Inhale slowly through your nose, count to four, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this process several times.

2. Focus on the present

A useful technique is to anchor your mind in the present. Describe out loud or in writing what you see around you, identify objects and colors. This can help you get out of the spiral of negative thoughts.

3. Progressive relaxation

Learn relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, which involve tensing and relaxing your muscles to release built-up tension.

4. Seek support

Don't hesitate to talk to someone you trust during an anxiety attack. The simple action of sharing your feelings can be comforting and provide emotional support. As we have already mentioned before, do not hesitate to go to a mental health professional; It's okay if you can't manage an anxiety attack on your own, it's normal to need professional help.