Are Anxiety Panic Attacks Normal?

Many people have experienced panic and anxiety. A panic attack is really a very normal response under the right conditions.  Maybe you're having to go to the doctor to get test results and are anxious about them.  Or a family member is in the service and is stationed in a battle zone known for its danger.  In these circumstances, having anxiety and being worried would be considered normal. 

Now imagine going to the mall for a shopping trip with a few friends and once there, having an overwhelming fear and dread wash over you. 

Some possible feelings that explain the situation would be like an overwhelming sense of being out of control or a sense of fear and everything closing in on you.  To make matters worse, the physical symptoms make you feel like you may literally DIE!

Symptoms such as heart palpitations and chest pain, hyperventilation, dizziness or  vertigo, feeling faint, uncontrollable trembling or shaking on the inside, and even nausea, stomach pains and intestinal pain can all leave a person emotionally and physically a wreck. 

Imagine those overwhelming feelings of fear and the above physical symptoms starting at the grocery store, or walking out to check the mail, or even in your own home visiting with friends.  Just the knowledge that they can come on at anytime is enough to cause depression and worrisome anxiety for the person suffering with an anxiety or panic attack condition.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, (NIMH) there is 5 major types of anxiety disorders.  These include:

1.  Generalized Anxiety Disorder
2.  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
3.  Panic Disorder
4.  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
5.  Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder

Each has sub categories that are identified by the action or circumstance that triggers an anxiety event or the severity of the condition. 

So under the right conditions and circumstances, you could definitely say that anxiety panic attacks would be considered quite normal.  If you or a loved one is experiencing these types of attacks and you don't believe they're appropriate for the situation, I encourage you to quickly locate and see a qualified clinical psychologist for an evaluation and assistance. 

Anxiety has a tendency to worsen as time goes on when left untreated.  Consider it absolutely critical for anyone you believe may be suffering with panic or anxiety attacks to get professional help as soon as possible.

You should really bookmark this site and check back to see what other ideas have been added. Anxiety in all forms is a long term illness with new treatment strategies always being developed. Don't you want to know the latest information? Bookmark this site