Can Stress Cause
Anxiety Attacks?

These attacks can range in length and intensity level, leaving sufferers feeling symptoms that range from mild to severe; some being so severe that the person may need to go to the emergency room.

Some people think that anxiety attacks are “all in a person's head”, but this disorder has been found to be very real and it deserves serious attention.

The physical symptoms of anxiety attacks are:

* Heart palpitations (pounding racing heartbeat)

*Blood pressure rises

*Gasping for breath

*Dizziness

*Headaches

*Light headed

*Trembling

*Fatigue

*Tingling sensation

*Hot or cold waves

*Wheezing

*Muscle tension

*Red face

These symptoms will fluctuate based on the intensity level of the attack.

There is a biochemical explanation to this panic disorder. Neurotransmitters are the messengers of the human body, taking messages to all parts of the brain. When a threat is sensed, neurotransmitters send a message to the locus ceruleus; this is the alarm in our brain alerting us to danger.

The locus ceruleus sends that alarm to amyagdala. This organ in the brain holds our memories and emotions. The amygdala measures, gauges, and regulates the anxiety response in our bodies. You can liken this to the thermostat in your home. It functions much in the same way.

With some individuals the neurotransmitters are defective or malfunction, at this point the brain goes into overload. This causes the neurotransmitters to send a message to get away from danger, and also stimulates past negative memories and strong emotions. This state of mind fails to turn off the fight or flight response in their brain, and causes the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack to occur.

During the attack the individual might feel overwhelming fear and a deep sense of dread. They might feel like they are barely hanging on to sanity. Many people report feeling like they are completely out of touch with reality and have no control. These feelings can often lead to excessive crying or a state of shock.

Other reported feelings are; problems sleeping, disorientation, inability to control ones mood and the development of phobias.

Agoraphobia

The fears associated with agoraphobia can cause people to make rash decisions on the job, in relationships, and other life matters, and sometimes cause people to become depressed and isolate themselves. Their behavior can become even more dangerous because it can stop them from seeking the medical attention needed to effectively handle their disorder.

Agoraphobia also can be very life disrupting for the smaller things that we all take for granted, such as dictating where and when an individual can leave the house. Other known disorders to stem from attacks are; general anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder. If you feel you may be suffering from the symptoms of anxiety attacks please consult your physician.

Some of the best ways to effectively handle panic or anxiety attacks are:

*Good diet

*Exercise

*Regulated sleep

*Limit the consumption of alcohol

*Sugars

*Caffeine

*Have a good vitamin and supplement plan

Do not take in nicotine, or any street drugs. Make it your goal to stay healthy and pay attention to your personal needs. This all leads to a good sense of well being.

Here are some things that can help:

Stress Relaxation Techniques can help keep you calm and relaxed, which will counter the stressors that can cause an attack.

Positive thinking, and Affirmations can combat negative thinking and stop you from progressing to the point of an attack. Anxiety Relief Tonics are natural herbs that are made to reduce anxiety. These may be beneficial if can recognize the point at which you start to feel anxious, and take them to calm yourself before you get into a full blown attack.

It is important to always try to identify what might send you into an attack before it happens, and if you start to notice any triggers, try to focus on something else.

Here are some things that may help you to shift your focus:

- Read a book you have always enjoyed

- Watch a funny tv show or movie

- Listen to upbeat music

- Get a warm blanket and do some breathing exercises

- Talk to a trusted friend or loved one

- Soak your feet

You can also try these other methods of coping with stress.

It is vital that you do not let yourself get to the point of over load. Life is full of situations that can contribute to the manifestation of these disorders and health problems, but it is important to stay strong and fight back.

To help make things easier, here are three basic steps to try; Identify, Management, Prevent. If you would like to understand more on the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety attacks click here. To understand more on the main causes of stress of stress click here.

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