When a surge of terror suddenly grips your entire body, when your heart begins to pound intensely for no reason at all, and all of a sudden, you begin to ask yourself whether you are going crazy or you start to think you are losing control, then what you are experiencing is an anxiety attack. It can happen anywhere, anytime. Do not be troubled though, because you need not suffer. In fact, you CAN cure anxiety attacks.

An anxiety attack usually occurs when we are faced with a situation that poses a threat to us. Sometimes though, they take place as a result of stressful situations. It is called a panic attack in the case of the former.

When our ancestors were still living in caves, the ability to react and respond quickly to danger is a must in order to survive. Our body developed what is known as a Òfight or flightÓ response. When we were faced with something that threatens our life, a discharge of chemicals in our system make us act quickly and instinctively, to either defend ourselves or run away. This reaction remained with us until today. This may also be the origin of panic attacks. During a panic attack, this fight or flight response is set off during a false alarm. What causes false alarms is still unclear. Studies however, suggest that stress could be a contributing factor.

If you have been suffering, do not hesitate to seek help for panic attacks. The earlier you are treated, the better, because if it goes untreated, they would tend to continue for months or years. It could lead to another condition, which is worse. Once you have gone through a panic attack, you may begin to develop the fear of having another one. This condition wherein you are always fearful and anxious of having panic attacks is called panic disorder.

Panic disorder has serious complications if it would go on untreated. You may begin to be afraid of leaving home or going to places, which you think are dangerous, such as public places, and refrain from going to social gatherings. This condition is called agoraphobia. It could also lead to depression and suicidal tendencies. Studies have shown also that those with panic disorder are inclined to develop heart diseases. Therefore, panic disorder treatment is necessary.

Counseling could be of big help. Your doctor may also give you several medications or let you undergo certain therapies to help you regain control of your thoughts, and consequently, your life. Self-help coping strategies are also provided in programs for mental health. The main thing to remember here is that panic attacks are false alarms. Nothing bad is going to happen. You have survived attacks before, and you will again.

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