There is a silent epidemic sweeping Britain… anxiety is affecting more than six million people in Britain TODAY.
And more than 240,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.
Sometimes though, anxiety can become panic which often leads to a cycle of fear which causes victims to avoid situations or places where attacks are likely – and this fear can turn into Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Agoraphobia.
Panic Disorder is extremely debilitating if unmanaged – so here are some things we should all know about the disorder.
- Fear
People who suffer from Panic Disorder will have panic attacks regularly, sometimes almost daily. And they come out of nowhere, with no warning signs. Anxiety UK says, “People living with Panic Disorder often feel fine one minute, and totally out of control and in the grips of a panic attack the next.”
- Reality
Panic attacks produce real physical symptoms, including an increase in heart rate, a churning stomach, dry mouth, shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, trembling and dizziness.
- Fear of fear
Anxiety UK says: “The physical symptoms of Panic Disorder are naturally unpleasant, and the accompanying psychological thoughts of terror can make a panic attack a very scary experience. For this reason, those experiencing panic attacks start to dread the next attack, and quickly enter into a cycle of living ‘in fear of fear’.”
- Non-reality
Non-reality is a feeling of detachment from situations and surroundings. The person will feel as though they are merely an observer.
- Drinking
Anxiety UK, “People sometimes turn to alcohol to reduce anxiety and calm their nerves. However, in reality, alcohol can actually make anxiety worse because it replaces the mind’s ability to cope with stress. Regular, heavy drinking interferes with the neurotransmitters in our brains that are needed for good mental health.”
- Agoraphobia
Some victims will avoid situations or places where they previously had a panic attack. One in three people with Panic Disorder will develop Agoraphobia.
- How to cope
Anxiety UK says, “If you feel that your anxiety is preventing you from enjoying everyday life, there is help and support available. You don’t have to suffer alone. Although, there is no ‘cure’ for anxiety disorders as such, a combination of therapy, medication and self-help measures can help anybody affected by anxiety overcome their disorder and reach a point where ‘they control their anxiety, rather than the anxiety controlling them.'”
- Being there
Don’t suffer in silence … To find out about more about Anxiety UK and the services they provide, please visit: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/
