Are Severe Anxiety and Panic Attacks Dangerous?
I’m having Panic Attacks almost every night for years, but recently had a very awful one, I had to go to an Emergency Room, It lasted a long time, much more than ever, and the doctor told me I have a very high level of Stress and that I suffered a Panic Attack caused by a severe anxiety. Another thing the doctor told me is that I have to change my lifestyle, because my lifestyle is stressful. I’ve been suffering of breathing problems, like bronquitis and all the doctors I’ve visited have told me this problem is related to stress.
Is this situation dangerous for me? Do I have to be worried about my condition?
Sooner or later this will impact seriously both on your physical and mental health. All those stress hormones washing round your body, and all your body’s defence mechanisms being on high alert will eventually result in auto immune problems such as eczema or arthtitis or worse, in organs being damaged.
I don’t know if anyone has told you how to go about reducing stress but here are some tips:
having panic attacks every night is not normal – you should really be trying to get at the source of the problem, not trying to reduce symptoms This is a problem that is bound to get worse. Have you considered counselling or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?
do a lifestyle audit – is this going to be a choice between my health and my job, and if so, what are my alternatives? Is there an emotonal problem I am avoiding?
EXERCISE is the number one best thing for using stress hormones for the purpose for which they were intended.
diet – make sure you are getting your five portions of fruit and veg a day and may be some B vit supplements. Is your fat or salt intake too high? 5g of salt a day is the maximum.
water and plenty of it to help flush these stress chemicals out of your body
reflexology, massage (full body or Indian Head), aromatherapy are all good stress reducing treatments. A drop or two of lavender on your pillow will help you sleep. It is also good on a tissue for hysteria.
meditation would be good for you
Go back to your doctor and discuss beta-blockers if these strategies do not help.
PLEASE don’t let this go on any longer, for your own sake!
Comments
Comment from hunniebabie
Time February 7, 2010 at 6:30 am
You definitely need to be worried!
Stress causes lots of underlying problems that you don’t see on the outside. It can cause narrowing of your arteries, possibly leading to a heart attack or stroke. You should see a dr. for some meds., it’s very important for you to get this under control sooner than later. I don’t know how many changes you can make in your life to reduce the stress, but you should make as many as possible. Also seeing a therapist may help you to deal with the stressors in your life. If you have time to exercise, that would help you even more. Good luck!
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Comment from missu
Time February 7, 2010 at 7:10 am
If you had a panic attack that sent you to the emergency room than yes they are dangerous. Anything that causes you to have breathing problems is dangerous and you said the doctor told you to change your lifestyle so I think you should listen to him. If I were you I would get an appointment with your regular doctor and tell him just what is going on in your life and the trouble that you are having. Your doctor will know what to give you to help with the stress and anxiety you are dealing with. Do not wait since the breathing problem will only get worse with each attack.
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Comment from blondandie
Time February 7, 2010 at 7:25 am
worrying will only cause more stress. try your bestest to see what it is that causes the stress in your life and try to either eliminate it or learn to deal with it in such a way that it does not cause you this type of stress. i’d reccomend seeing a dr and getting on a pill to help to ease your mind as well as counseling help to learn to deal with the pressures of life. no one should ever feel the way you feel. it is normal, but it does not have to be. there is help, you just have to go out there and get it!
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Comment from JmeKnowsBest
Time February 7, 2010 at 7:52 am
I would get help from a psychiatrist so you can find a medication that will help prevent the panic/anxiety attacks from occuring. If that doesn’t work, then maybe a lifestyle change is needed. Being alive and healthy sure beats being stressed and not being able to breath!!!
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Comment from o2bamy25
Time February 7, 2010 at 8:13 am
They won’t harm you physically but they will scar you emotionally for life.
I have dealt with them for about 8 years now and I still haven’t found a "cure". I am currently on anti-depression medicine and anti-anxiety medicine. Although I would prefer not to be it is the only way I can feel "safe" enough to go on about everyday life.
The only physical side effects are stress related health problems and as easy as it is for everyone to say "change your lifestyle" it isn’t as easily done. Life in general is stressful. I wish you luck and hope that you know that you are not alone.
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Comment from Peppa J
Time February 7, 2010 at 8:53 am
Panic attacks are not fun! I know. I ended up in the emergency room too. Many hospitals now have classes for panic disorder. Call your doctor and find out what’s available in your area. Also, ask your doctor to explain exactly what happens when you have a panic attack. This helped me understand, and a little knowledge goes a long way. There are specific meds for panic disorder -not meds like Paxil, Prozac, etc. (the SSRIs), but meds in the "benzo" family. Exercise helps! I joined a gym and I always feel a lot better after working out. I’ve been on klonopin meds (low dose) for 7 yrs. and no more panic attacks.
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Comment from tagette
Time February 7, 2010 at 9:38 am
Sooner or later this will impact seriously both on your physical and mental health. All those stress hormones washing round your body, and all your body’s defence mechanisms being on high alert will eventually result in auto immune problems such as eczema or arthtitis or worse, in organs being damaged.
I don’t know if anyone has told you how to go about reducing stress but here are some tips:
having panic attacks every night is not normal – you should really be trying to get at the source of the problem, not trying to reduce symptoms This is a problem that is bound to get worse. Have you considered counselling or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?
do a lifestyle audit – is this going to be a choice between my health and my job, and if so, what are my alternatives? Is there an emotonal problem I am avoiding?
EXERCISE is the number one best thing for using stress hormones for the purpose for which they were intended.
diet – make sure you are getting your five portions of fruit and veg a day and may be some B vit supplements. Is your fat or salt intake too high? 5g of salt a day is the maximum.
water and plenty of it to help flush these stress chemicals out of your body
reflexology, massage (full body or Indian Head), aromatherapy are all good stress reducing treatments. A drop or two of lavender on your pillow will help you sleep. It is also good on a tissue for hysteria.
meditation would be good for you
Go back to your doctor and discuss beta-blockers if these strategies do not help.
PLEASE don’t let this go on any longer, for your own sake!
References :
I am a holistic therapist
Comment from DVgirl
Time February 7, 2010 at 9:51 am
I have a recommendation for you. There is a series of CD’s and DVD’s that it put out by the Midwest Center for Anxiety and Depression (look them up online) that will help you. I used to have horrible panic attacks daily before I went through the 12-week program. That was a year ago and I haven’t had one panic attack since then, plus I have learned to manage the stressors in my life. I feel sooo much better, happier and I’m a lot more productive.
Yes, stress and anxiety increase the levels of cortisol in your body, which raises your chances of contracting colds, infections and even diseases such as cancer.
Good luck!
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Comment from craftgirl03
Time February 7, 2010 at 10:21 am
Terrifying, yes. Dangerous no.
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Comment from ewtaylor2001
Time February 7, 2010 at 6:06 am
yes get some medication finally there are some approved for treating anxiety disorders.
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