5 Triggers of a Panic Attack

Panic attacks affect thousands of people each year, causing extreme panic and anxiety and a sense of overwhelming dread. Coping with panic attacks is incredibly challenging, and some individuals even become afraid to leave their homes. Part of taking control of your panic disorder symptoms is identifying the triggers of your panic attacks.

Signs of Panic Attacks

It’s difficult to miss a panic attack. It comes without warning and the sufferer responds with a state of fight or flight. The most common panic attack indicators include the following:

- A sense of extreme panic and anxiety, often including a fear of imminent death

- Thumping heart and severe chest pains

- Unsettled stomach and feeling faint

- Sweating, chills, or overheating

- Wobbly sensation

- Restrictive breathing

- A strong desire to escape

Panic Attack Triggers

Some of the triggers of panic attacks can be avoided with careful monitoring. This can provide a sense of greater freedom for those with panic disorder. Knowing the triggers of your panic attacks can help you predict when they will occur.

Trigger 1: Consuming Coffee

Consuming caffeine does raise the heart rate and creates more awareness within you. The raising of the heart rate can trigger a panic attack as it resembles the symptom of a pounding heart. Excessive caffeine can cause dizziness, another symptom of a panic attack.

Trigger 2: Various Medications

It’s smart for people who suffer from panic disorder to shy away from medications that could cause a trigger for a panic attack. An example might be medication that could cause a rise in body temperature which inturn causes the heart rate to increase. Subsequently, the body may believe this to be a panic attack.

Trigger 3: Excessive Exercising

Excessive exercising is another cause of instigating a panic attack. Pushing yourself too far certainly raises the heart rate which mimics the symptoms of a panic attack.

Trigger 4: Tension

Constant worry and stress has the ability to trigger panic attacks. Remaining calm and cool in these times can reduce the chance of experiencing a major panic attack.

Trigger 5: Major Life Change

Big life changes can put your entire system at a disadvantage. When you are coping with the loss of a loved one, a divorce, a new job, or another big change, it’s hard to take care of yourself mentally and physically. It’s important at times like this to take time for yourself and get the support you need from family and friends.