Agoraphobia: Fearing Fear Itself
Do you worry about almost everything or you tend to overthink your problems? Are you constantly nervous without a reason? Have you ever felt a sudden rush of adrenaline and the feeling that you are losing control? If your answer is yes then it’s very likely that you suffer from anxiety. People with anxiety often experience panic attacks (also called anxiety attacks).
Panic attacks happen as if out of nowhere, and can actually happen anywhere. In most cases people experience panic attacks in crowded places, in public transport, planes, in places where they feel that it’s difficult to escape or even at their homes.
The leading feeling during a panic attack is fear – fear that you might die, that something is wrong with you, that you'll lose control. Because you feel like you are in danger, your brain actually sends your body a clear signal that something is threatening you. As a result your body is filled up with adrenaline, prepared to save you from the possible dangers. We can divide the symptoms of panic attacks into two groups: physical and psychological.
Physical symptoms
- Palpitations
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Cold and warm waves all over the body
- Heavy breathing
- Dizziness
Psychological symptoms
- Feeling that you are losing control
- Feeling that you are dying
- Feeling that you are out of your body (derealization)
- Feeling that you will be embarrassed in front of other people
- Feeling that you lose your connection with reality
- Feeling and fear that you might be insane
