If you watch the television series “Monk”, you might be familiar with the scene where he is locked in a “safe-room” of a very wealthy songwriter. His fear of not having adequate ventilation and dying before his rescue overcomes him and eventually becomes uncontrollable; he actually thinks he is unable to breath and is dying. Although the police captain is right outside the door and Mr. Monk is out within five minutes, the mere fact that he was locked-in triggered a panic attack.
This is an extremely funny scene on TV; however, in real life, it is horrifying for the individual suffering with anxiety, and it is certainly no laughing matter. Maybe you experience anxiety or panic attacks, or you know of someone who does. The following information might help you understand them better.
Anxiety disorders
There are many different types of anxiety disorders: Agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Panic disorder is diagnosed as having recurrent spur-of-the-moment panic attacks. It is a serious condition that about one in every 75 people experience. There is major concern for the U.S. troops returning from the war in Iraq might suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, which includes violent flashbacks. PTSD is not limited to soldiers who have been to war – it can be caused from a variety of traumatic events that can happen in everyday life.
Panic attacks
Panic attacks are described as a sudden urge of overwhelming fear, or extreme fear or discomfort with your surroundings. While not dangerous, it is terrifying because you feel “crazy” and “out of control.” During the attack, you may experience one or all of the following symptoms:
• Rapid, pounding heart beat
• Chest pain/discomfort
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Tingling hands
• Fear of losing control
• Fear of dying
• De-realization or depersonalization
• Choking
• Nausea
• Cold or hot flashes
It is rare to have all of these symptoms at one time; however, experiencing at least four may suggest panic disorder. With some people, the fear of having a panic attack will often trigger one - a condition called Agoraphobia. A person who suffers from agoraphobia finds it difficult to leave home because of this fear.
While a panic attack is not dangerous, they are terrifying. They can also lead to several other disorders such as phobias, depression, substance abuse, and social impairment.
Panic disorder
You might be saying to yourself now that you have experienced a panic attack. This is probably true. Most people experience one or two in their life. However, that doesn’t result in being diagnosed with panic disorder. Panic disorder is a panic attack followed by one or more of the following symptoms:
• Continuous worry about having another panic attack
• Continuous worry over the cause of the attack (i.e., heart attack, a car wreck)
• Major behavioral change related to the panic attack (i.e. refusing to drive again)
When identifying panic disorder, it is important to get a complete physical to rule out all other possibilities such as drug interactions that may have caused the attack, or any other anxiety disorder. After a careful and thorough evaluation, your doctor will know if your panic attacks are related to panic disorder or are caused by another problem. Simple treatments are available to help control panic disorder.
Nature and God reduces anxiety
For some people, believing in God and prayer can work to settle anxiety and/or panic attacks. Also, it has been proven that our environment influences our mental health. Spending time in the great outdoors will noticeably reduce stress and anxiety. Farms and nature reserves across the country are offering free visits to give people a real taste of the countryside.
According to the Web site “Christian Today,” Let Nature Feed Your Senses is a new initiative giving people the chance to get closer to nature, as research supports the idea that there are emotional as well as physical benefits to visiting the countryside.
The network has been launched by charities LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) and the Sensory Network of farms and nature reserves.
They hope that visitors to the countryside will be able to relax and find peace and inspiration, thereby improving their overall sense of wellbeing.
Below are some ideas on improving your sense of well-being using nature at home:
• Take walks: Walking outside, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sunlight can be very uplifting and relaxing, and, needless-to-say, physically healthy too. Take time to look at the sky, the trees, the flowers – notice your surroundings, breathe in deeply and concentrate on the colors in nature. If you have a fear of leaving your home, then just sit outside in the yard.
• Plant flowers: Even if just a container garden on a sunny windowsill, this will relax and ease tensions. Spend time tending the garden with pruning and fussing, not just a quick watering.
• Open windows
• Adopt a pet
• Visit the nighttime sky: Learn about the stars; focus on constellations.
• Purchase a tabletop waterfall.
• Play stress-reducing music: Imagine yourself in some exotic, far-away Garden of Eden.
In closing, Anxiety and panic disorders are treatable, and once treated, do not lead to any permanent complications. Sufferers can go on to lead full and satisfying lives. If you feel like you are suffering uncontrollably with either problem, make an appointment to see your health care provider.