Panic attacks are sudden intense feelings of anxiety, fear and discomfort. The underlying cause of panic attack symptoms is the release of adrenaline into the bloodstream. This happens when the body responds to situations of extreme danger which is commonly referred to as fight or flight response. The trouble is when this release of adrenaline happens too regularly and unnecessarily, which leads to panic attacks.

Panic attacks are not caused by specific external triggers. A person with panic attacks may be doing something that he or she usually does, like going to the bank, cycling or taking an elevator and suddenly get hit by a panic attack. It just seems to come out of nowhere.

The mind will start to believe that the worst things possible will happen regardless of how unlikely it is. Images of the plane crashing, the elevator failing or other crazy situations will fill the mind. Feelings of paranoia and suspicion will also take over.

With panic attacks seemingly appearing out of nowhere and there being nothing specific that triggers it, panic attack sufferers live in fear as they dread that it might strike anytime, no matter where they are.

The best way to deal with panic attacks is to face it and not run away from it. Resistance will usually only make the situation worse. Instead, when the panic attack comes, face it with courage allow it to run it’s course. This is an effective way to deal with panic attacks because of the following 2 reasons;

First, it is because fear feeds on fear. The more you fight against or try to avoid a panic attack, the more fear you are letting out. And as you do that you are feeding it and making the panic attack even stronger. However if you face it head on, the attack has nothing to feed on and slowly it’s energy will be drained.

A good metaphor for panic attacks is a roller coaster. When you’re on a roller coaster ride, you will notice that the more you resist and oppose against the movement of the roller coaster, the more tense and frightened you will be. Conversely when you go along with the movement of the roller coaster, you will find the ride to be exciting and enjoyable.

The second reason is because whenever you avoid or resist panic attacks, you are just continuously running away from it. Because of this you will never be able to experience and realize that there is actually no danger or harm in the situation.

When you have fully faced a panic attack and come out of it unharmed, there will be a sense of relief and understanding that it is your illusions of danger that have been creating these panic attacks. You will realize that in reality there isn’t any danger at all. This realization will take away your fear enable you to face future panic attacks with confidence. Having this courage will lead you on the way to conquering panic attacks.