Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are basically the same thing, and they are on the rise. The cause of the increase isn’t fully understood, but modern life with all its pressure and stress could be a factor. But the fact remains they are causing more and more people no end of problems.
Would you recognise a panic attack if you had one? That’s a difficult question to answer as the symptoms are quite wide ranging and can vary from mild to the downright frightening. Symptoms could be a simple hot flush to a more terrifying racing heart and shallowness of breath.
I guess if you were having the second type of symptom you’d be very aware you need help to put this right. If your symptoms are mild though, you may not even realise it’s a panic or anxiety attack. This could be a warning sign that things are about to get worse, much worse.
My wife suffered a bad panic attack while she was out driving our car. Needless to say it wasn’t just the actual anxiety attack that frightened her but the fact she could have crashed and killed herself and others. It won’t do anyone any good to dwell on this type of scenario.
If you have been feeling a little off lately, maybe suffering any of these symptoms…. Difficulty sleeping, a bit on edge or anxious, can’t concentrate, constantly irritated or fidgeting a lot. Any of these small signs could be a forewarning that something else is about to hit you.
Before you actually get into a panic about these symptoms let me assure you there are many things that can cause these symptoms. And none of them are anything to worry about. Lack of sleep may just be too much caffeine. Fidgeting may be uncomfortable clothing.
If you would rather be safe than sorry you can find out if you are heading for anxiety attacks. A panic (anxiety) symptoms test will give you a better idea of whether you are at risk. All you do is tick a few boxes with either yes or no and total your score at the end.
Then you can decide if you need to take further action. There’s an anxiety (panic) symptoms test here.
