how do attacks happen? fight or flight?

[km88]

so i've had panic attacks for quite sometime now but i still dont understand whats going on in my brain and why i get them randomly for no reason? even if im just sitting in bed? & whats the fight or flight response? can someone please explain all this to me! it would really help to know why i have this!haha
thanks :)

[JSGeare]

No problem, KM, we here at Panic Central are always eager to please. To get started, have a look at these journal entries I write addressing the very thing you're asking about.

www.medhelp.org/user_journals/list/366811
www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/9206
www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/7843
www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/7377
www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/7293
www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/6075
www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/14907

I hope this helps and look forward to any questions you might have. Hang in there - you CAN recover from this.

[km88]

im really interested in CBT. is it something that insurance can cover? who do you go to do it? a therapist? how long does it go for?
sorry for all the questions! i just want to know what im getting into!

[Daphne9933]

I just recently started Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for my anxiety as it had become a daily burden along with the unfortunate side effects of nausea and diarrhea...anyways..throughout the program you learn, most importantly, WHY it happens and seems to happen "out of the blue". What was explained to me is that it can become a fear of bodily sensations. While not even being aware of it, our brain is constantly scanning and making connections with our body. If it senses some sort of change like a simple change in heartbeat or breathing, it can translate that as a threat which can trigger the fight or flight response, sending all the blood and oxygen to the parts of our body that are most important to respond such as our heart and limbs....these intense feelings like a rapid heartrate, sweating or chills, pacing, ect. just further intensify the anxiety causing a sort of snowball effect. You just have to remind yourself that your body is just reacting naturally and you are still in control even though it may feel like you aren't!

For me a combination of the CB Therapy, Lexapro and Xanax are definitely helping but unfortunately there is no magical cure or pill to make it go away! Exercise and daily breathing meditation can also help.

:) Julia

[Suzyq0826]

I started having anxiety attacks 8 years ago when I found out I had just marries a crak addict. Long story, but he'd disappear for weeks at a time, along with our money and my sanity. We've been divorced almost 4 years...and I still have them. In almost all respects my life is fantastic...I've remarried and have a wonderful husband, have a good job, my children are all doing well,  I'm going to school for my MBA.....and I still get them. There is no real explanation....it could be for me that life is just too good and I fewl something bad has to happen, or it could be that the hell I went through all those years ago will take me years to get over. What I do know is that you can have an anxiety attak and never be able to say "xyz" gave me a panic attack. I think it's a combination of both subconcious and concious thought, plus parts of your past and possibly fear of future events.
I know this doesn't give you answers, but it will tell you that you are not alone in not understanding why it happens.

[km88]

im already on treatment (medication), but today someone asked me why i get panic attacks and how they happen. i didnt know the answer even though i have them!
thats why i asked..just for future reference.

[Jikan]

Left untreated, panic attacks and panic disorder can result in severe complications that affect almost every area of your life. You may be so afraid of having more panic attacks that you live in a constant state of fear, ruining your quality of life. I would definitely recommend that you see a mental health provider to get some answers.

Complications that panic attacks may cause or be associated with include:

Development of specific phobias, such as fear of driving or leaving your home
Avoidance of social situations
Problems at work or school
Depression
Increased risk of suicide or suicidal thoughts
Alcohol or substance abuse
Financial problems

Hope some of this helps. Good Luck!

Michael