Panic Attacks-The Fight or Flight Response

As most of us are aware,when we are in the midst of a Panic Attack something known as the fight or flight response automatically takes over.This is a natural physiological and psychological response to a real or perceived danger/threat.In the case of real danger such as a bear attack or a mugging,the fight or flight response is a great protective mechanism.

When the fight or flight response is triggered a part of the brain called the hypothalamus is stimulated which causes the release of increased amounts of chemicals such as adrenaline,noradrenaline and cortisol.

These chemical increases cause our breathing rate to increase,the blood to moved from the areas of the body that are less essential to more vital areas such as the major  muscles and limbs.These are the parts of the body that require the most energy for fighting or fleeing.The more energy that is available,the more like it will be that we will survive the fight or successfully flee from the situation.

When there is no real danger or threat,and the fight or flight response is activated due to a panic attack,the result is irrational,exaggerated fear,confusion,distorted thinking and sensitivity to sound and/or light.(as well as many other symptoms)The sporadic nature of panic attacks makes it extremely difficult to predict when they will occur,and causes fear of the panic attack its self.

What is The Difference Between a Panic and Anxiety Attacks(2)

I was browsing some of the many forums and Q&A sites that are related to the topic of mental health.I noticed that the same question is asked quite often.(The question is:) What is the difference between a panic attack and an Anxiety attack and are they the same thing?

I have an older post that talks about some of the differences between a panic attack and  anxiety attacks so I won't go into alot of details in this post,but i did want to address whether there is a difference between a panic attack and anxiety attacks.And as a suffer of both of these conditions I can say without a doubt that there definately is a difference and they are not the same at all.

Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks do share some of the same signs and symptoms and are very closely related disorders but the main difference between the two are that a Panic Attack is usually a short and sudden onset of extreme irrational fear most often brought on by stress and anxiety,and normally occurs out of the blue.

On the other hand  Anxiety Attacks usually happen very gradually,are less extreme,consist of symtoms like intense worry,nervousness,a general unease,and can last for hours,days and even weeks in more severe cases.

I hope this post has been helpful and clears up the question of whether there really is a difference between panic and anxiety attack.If you want more information check out my older post.There is a direct link to it in this post.

Panic-A Tiny Setback.

Setbacks are a big part of recovery from Panic Attacks and in my case Agoraphobia as well.An example of a minor setback is something that happened to me today.After doing very well over the past two months or so I had a Panic Attack while I was at a friends house.

Of course they had no idea because i was outside by myself at the time,and it only lasted for a few minutes.Which is a lot better than some of the 20 minute panic attacks I used to have.So what i realised is that even though I had a panic attack for no real reason and it was very unpleasant its not the end of the world.

It definately doesn't have to undo all of the progress that I have made.I am not going to let one panic attack turn into a major setback.I will learn from it and move on.

Just in case anyone is wondering this is a rough draft of a business card I designed for myself.I would really like to get some feed back.Good or bad I'd like to know your opinion.Thanks