Panic disorder is more common than most people realize.
Studies have shown 1 out of every 5 people consider panic attacks to be a common experience, and typically experience the same symptoms.
The most common symptoms of a panic attack are a pounding heart or accelerated heart beat, sweating, feelings of unreality, trembling or shaking, fear of dying, and chills.
If you have experienced these symptoms first-hand then you know how scary it can be to endure these symptoms especially when you don't realize what's going on.
If you have never experienced a panic attack before, but have a friend that does, then try to be understanding about what they go through.
Panic attacks can happen anywhere and without warning.
You could be standing in line at your local supermarket or at home watching TV by yourself.
Some people are so deathly afraid of having a panic attack in a public place, that they confine themselves to their homes.
This is considered a more serious form of panic disorder, and is called agoraphobia.
If you have never experienced a panic attack before, here is a common experience of what a panic attack entails: You're in your local shopping center waiting in the long line of customers.
Then you start sensing this uneasy feeling start at your throat and then begin to engulf your body.
Your chest starts to feel tighter and your heart begins beating faster.
Your palms start to sweat and you start looking around to see if anybody notices you.
You want to run out of the shopping center leaving your cart full of groceries, but are afraid somebody might notice.
The feelings of unreality start to set in, and now all sorts of negative thoughts are running through your mind such as "Am I having a heart attack?", "Am I losing my mind?" The negative thoughts can become so severe that you actually begin to believe you're seconds away from dying.
As you can see, panic attacks can be a very scary experience, especially if you have never experienced a panic attack before.
Fortunately, there is a way to overcome panic attacks and stop them from affecting your life.
I encourage you to network with other people and learn from those that have overcome problems with panic and anxiety disorder.