A panic attack can be defined as any event outside of normal life that is extremely traumatic or difficult for any person to cope with, threatens the person’s existence, or may even make one think that they will die. Earthquakes, sudden death of a loved one, being harassed, witnessing an accident or death are examples of traumatic events. People who have experienced these events or similar situations, whether they are children or adults, may have to deal with some problems; If the effects of these distresses do not pass soon, a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may be made. This situation prepares the ground for panic attacks.
When we are exposed to danger, our most natural response is to flee or fight. The individual does this so that he will not be harmed, and most of the time he may not even have time to think about it. There is a difference in these normal reactions in people who have experienced trauma. If an individual who has encountered a dangerous situation is affected in some way and cannot return to a life style that can be considered normal in his future life, Panic Attack can be mentioned there. While people who have survived this process with time or treatment can return to their normal lives, people who have panic attacks may experience the same stress situations days, weeks or even months after the event.
Hello Korkuteli Here Magazine readers, I am Emine Köken Psychological Counselor and I will tell you, dear readers, about panic attack, which is the nightmare of most people, from small to large.
A panic attack can be defined as any event outside of normal life that is extremely traumatic or difficult for any person to cope with, threatens the person’s existence, or may even make one think that they will die. Earthquakes, sudden death of a loved one, being harassed, witnessing an accident or death are examples of traumatic events. People who have experienced these events or similar situations, whether they are children or adults, may have to deal with some problems; If the effects of these distresses do not pass soon, a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may be made. This situation prepares the ground for panic attacks.
When we are exposed to danger, our most natural response is to flee or fight. The individual does this so that he will not be harmed, and most of the time he may not even have time to think about it. There is a difference in these normal reactions in people who have experienced trauma. If an individual who has encountered a dangerous situation is affected in some way and cannot return to a life style that can be considered normal in his future life, Panic Attack can be mentioned there. While people who have survived this process with time or treatment can return to their normal lives, people who have panic attacks may experience the same stress situations days, weeks or even months after the event.
There are some reactions in people who experience panic attacks, it is possible to address them under three headings:
1) Re-experiencing the traumatic event: There may be unintentional thoughts, images or dreams that come to mind weeks or months after the traumatic event. In this case, the individual feels as if he has experienced the event again and the panic attack may continue by getting stronger. Daily life is affected, sometimes it can make the day inoperable.
2) Avoidance of thoughts and feelings related to the trauma: This includes avoiding reminders of the event as well as a general feeling of lethargy or detachment from surrounding people. The person who has had a traffic accident may not drive for a long time or may show avoidance behavior from everything about the car. In both children and adults; It is the desire to start not enjoying the things they used to enjoy and to be alone. Fears and nightmares may occur, especially in children.
3) Physiological arousal: In addition to a general state of irritability and tension, there may be distraction, sleep disorders and inability to concentrate on certain issues. These people always feel on edge. The person exposed to the event may react violently when exposed to a visual or auditory stimulus, and these sounds-images may remind him deeply of the trauma event and cause him to experience the event again.
