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One day, you wake up, look around and realize that your life has spun out of control.  Your life, once so normal has become like a nightmare. Your job, your personal life, your family, your peace of mind has all been disturbed and you feel powerless to make any change or improvement. The source of this disturbance is the anxiety that has invaded your life and come home to roost in a seemingly permanent manner.  Everyone experiences panic; we would simply be robots if we didn’t. While these feelings of distress may be normal in small, isolated doses, they should not be a pervasive, all consuming fire that threatens your sanity with every step and action.

For anxiety sufferers, the feelings of distress are constant companions that cannot be shaken, that cannot be reasoned with and cannot be easily tamed. The resulting stress from having to contend with such an overwhelming dread leaves many sufferers exhausted and miserable. Sustained angst can have physical manifestations that can severely affect your health.  Some of these affects include:

• A rapid heartbeat• Difficulty breathing• Dizziness• Loss of sensation or tingling in your hands and feet.  • Disorientation• Sweating

These are only some of the effects that could sweep over you as you struggle with a panic attack or excessive apprehension. After experiencing such scary symptoms many people seek to avoid duplicating this occurrence, whatever the cost. They examine the triggers that could have brought these overwhelming feelings about.  They associate the experience with whatever they were doing or wherever they were located when the panic attack struck. After identifying what they believe to be the cause of their distress they avoid any situation where the causes of their anxious episode might be duplicated.

Avoiding the fear becomes a priority and pretty soon your life gets out of whack and relationships, job performance and your physical and mental health suffer. If you are afraid to be around a crowd of people you may neglect going to the gym, seeing movies, eating out with friends or engaging in any kind of social activity. Interacting with coworkers may become problematic and job opportunities may pass you by. 

As your life contracts, your mental state spirals downwards. Cut off from friends, activities and mental stimulation, your mind becomes overwhelmed with anxiety and fear and sleep can be disrupted. 

The lack of sleep, the stress involved with avoiding panic inducing interactions and the fear make you a shadow of your former self. Understanding the power of the mind and its ability to consume your thoughts with unrealistic or exaggerated worries is the first step in changing your situation. 

Your mental and physical health are important and should be protected and cared for.  Relieving your mind of worry will help relieve your body of the manifestations of that worry. By eliminating the physical symptoms that can produce such dread, you will in turn help your mental outlook.

No one wants to contend with a rapidly beating heart or shortness of breath or disorientation. These feelings are scary and while it’s a natural instinct to avoid them, we need to find ways to resolve them without damaging our lives.

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Two of the most horrifying little goodies that so often accompany panic attacks and severe anxiety are derealization and depersonalization. Both can be absolutely crippling and take you right to the turnstiles of your perception of insanity. This article will discuss what these spooky phenomena are and what may cause them.

Coming from personal experience, derealization is a deep and disturbing sensation of unreality and detachment from one’s immediate world, rather an altered state of consciousness. It’s been described as feeling as though one is looking at the world through thick glass. I mean, you can see clearly, are fully oriented, and can function; however it’s like you’re operating in a very exclusive dimension. It is an absolutely terrifying experience and generally leads to the belief that insanity is at hand - especially if one hasn’t the knowledge as to what’s really going on. As derealization presents, one becomes extremely concerned about what to do and how to find help. See, it’s all about the fear of being, and appearing, crazy - or at the very least, extremely strange.

Now, just as derealization is an environmental perceptual issue, depersonalization is an equally disturbing self-perception phenomenon. During my junior year in college I walked into the house I shared with some buddies and caught a glimpse of a photograph hanging on the wall of the six of us. Though it was only a glimpse, something just didn’t seem right – that quickly. So I stopped, walked back to the photo and saw this person right in the middle of the picture. I knew who he was, yet I didn’t. But it was me! I can’t tell you how frightening that sensation was. Depersonalizaton holds the potential to snatch away your last morsels of identity and security, having any sort of concept of self relegated to the dumpster.

So, what actually causes these sensations? Recent research has suggested that extraordinary and frightening sensations, such as near-death and out-of-body experiences – which I believe are in the same ballpark as derealization and depersonalization – may occur because of stress-induced malfunctioning brain chemistry. For example, a structure in the temporal lobe (lower side) of the brain known as the angular gyrus, specifically the right angular gyrus, is believed to process sensory input in an effort to aid in the perception of our physical selves. Featured in one particular study was a seizure disorder patient participating in a course of electrical stimulation treatment. During a procedure the electrodes were applied to the right side of the patient’s head (right angular gyrus?), and guess what? When the juice was turned on the patient reported an out-of-body experience. Now, this research doesn’t specifically address the cause of derealization and depersonalization; however it begins to point some fingers. At least I think so.

The strange sensation of floating outside of the body during times of perceptual disorientation may be generated by any number of things, including panic, intense anxiety, major life stress, emotional and physical trauma, and brain disease or injury. As it applies to mental and emotional distress, perhaps as life circumstances begin to overwhelm us we become victims of transitioning consciousness as our minds react by generating custom-tailored out-of-body experiences known as derealization and depersonalization. V.S. Ramachandran, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Center for the Brain and Cognition at the University of California, San Diego, underscores the power of perceptual alteration by proposing there’s a shift in the very boundaries of self-perception when incoming sensual input doesn’t comply with what one perceives and requires as the norm. By the way, do whatever you can to read any of Ramachandran’s writings because it’s absolutely amazing stuff. This guy is the real deal.

As a past sufferer of this hocus-pocus, I view derealization and depersonalization, intense perceptual alterations, as the mind’s self-protective reaction to the ultimate perceived state of overload. It just seems to me that when the mind believes it’s mega-overwhelmed it flips the switch on a perceptual filter, believing even the slightest additional bit of stimuli may lead to various degrees of psychic meltdown. Yes - it’s the mind in a powerful state of defense. Within this theoretical framework, the mind is trying to give itself a fighting chance to sort and process that with which it’s already wrestling, so it chooses to inhibit the sensory messages streaming in from one’s immediate internal and external experience.

Now, unfortunately, the mind’s fear circuitry is chugging along very independently and just as efficiently as its perceptual filter. So off go the alarms because the sensations experienced as a result of the mind’s work to defend itself, which may include derealization and depersonalization, are causing the alarm circuitry to freak. As a result, one flips into all-out panic mode, desperately trying to reestablish a sense of perceptual orientation and comfort. And that only makes things worse because it totally interrupts the mind’s immediate mission of managing thousands of cars at rush-hour. And so one is left with this ever-building traffic jam caused by two vehicles: an overloaded mind on the verge of meltdown and a very agitated and loudly rebellious fear circuitry. Needless to say, no one’s going anywhere.

I might also suggest that derealization and depersonalization may also present as a result of the mind being so consumed by its present overload, it simply can’t deliver perceptual accuracy in response to what the senses are bringing to the table. Don’t ever forget – this is all about how we receive self and the world. And there’s only so much of the mind to go around. Yes – it does have its limits.

Dr. V.S. Ramachandran, from his book, A Brief Tour of Human Consciousness: From Imposter Poodles to Purple Numbers (Pi Press, 2004), sets the table for his thoughts on derealization and depersonalization by mentioning two fascinating neurological disorders. The first, Capgras Delusion, is characterized by the patient being convinced a close family member or friend is an imposter. The patient has no problem grasping familiarity of appearance and behavior; however the relational significance just isn’t there, and the patient is fully aware of the disconnect. Ramachandran then mentions Cotard’s Syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by the patient believing she has lost everything, even parts of her body, and believes she may, indeed, be dead and is walking about as a corpse.

Ramachandran suggests derealization and depersonalization may well be caused by the same altered brain circuitry that brings on Capgras and Cotard’s, even to the point of referring to derealization and depersonalization as rather a “mini-Cotard’s.” In the face of a life-threatening emergency a piece of anatomy in the frontal lobe of the brain, the anterior cingulate (also involved in the processing of physical pain), becomes active. Its ensuing action pulls in the reins on the brain’s fear circuitry. As a result, disabling phenomena such as fear and anxiety fall by the wayside. But it doesn’t stop there, as the anterior cingulate then ramps-up alertness just in case we need to defend ourselves. Well, the bottom-line is we’re left in this emotionally void and hypervigilant state, and Dr. Ramachandran proposes we have but two alternatives to account for what’s happened: “The world just isn’t real,” presenting in the form of derealization, and “I’m not real,” presenting in the form of depersonalization. Go back several paragraphs to my description of my personal experience with depersonalization. One of my statements was, “I knew who he was, yet I didn’t.” Kaboom – what a fit.

I find all of this really very fascinating, especially when you consider that something that feels so horribly frightening, and that holds the potential to cause such major dysfunction, may actually be the mind’s naturally intended way of protecting itself. Indeed, the mind may be saying, “I’ve got a bit more than I can handle here – could someone please help me out?” To me, assigning a personality, if you will, to the mind gives its generated distressing phenomena a bit of softness and gentleness; making them seem so much less abysmal. I mean, it’s like the mind is this living, feeling being to which we can show compassion as it’s hurt, confused, worn-out, and desperately in need of rest and care. I really believe in this relationship with mind, and it’s my opinion the only thing that keeps us from realizing its fullest two-way potential is overcoming our misinterpretations and overreactions to the mind’s naturally occurring protective mechanisms. Yes - as soon as we sense the beginnings of sensations such as derealization or depersonalization, and the alarms sound, we think our way to exaggerated and inappropriate reactions. And it’s this dynamic that causes all the hubbub, not the perceptual alterations themselves.

Well, hey – that’s it for this writing. Hopefully you know a bit more than you knew coming in. And if derealization and/or depersonalization are tearing your life apart, here’s hoping for some insight and relief. Don’t ever forget – you are not going crazy! Keep an eye out for my article, Panic Attacks and Anxiety: Adios! to Derealization and Depersonalization. It’s a great bit of follow-up.

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When you experience a panic attack, your body goes into overdrive. Your body is sounding the alarm and your heart starts to race faster, your breathing becomes shallower and quicker and blood flows to the core of your body, leaving your extremities tingling.  

These sensations can be overwhelming and often only serve to increase the anxiety you are suffering with. Your body is prepared to fight or flee; this is an ancient survival instinct that kicks in when we feel cornered, vulnerable or scared. 

It is our body´s way of protecting us. These powerful sensations can´t simply be dismissed or wished away. They have to be fooled into thinking everything is okay even if your mind is telling you it´s not.  

People who suffer from panic attacks have these episodes strike them at unfortunate times and in unfortunate places. The stimulus that is causing the intense reactions is usually something that wouldn´t spark such an intense reaction in non anxiety sufferers. 

Panic attacks can be triggered by a meeting with the boss, speaking in front of others, meeting with your child´s teacher, going to the theater. There are so many reasons that someone might have an attack, it is important to examine your particular triggers. Is it crowded places, meeting with authority figures, or fear of embarrassment. 

Once you understand your triggers, you can more effectively work towards conquering them. 

What you don´t want to do is to avoid activities and people because of your panic attacks. Don´t put off that meeting with your child´s teacher for months because you don´t want to talk to her, don´t refuse a promotion because you know you will have to go to more speaking engagements. Avoiding activities because of your panic positions you to develop more severe anxiety problems.

There are many ways to deal with panicked responses besides medication. While prescriptions may be a solution for some people and some people have had great results with drugs like Paxil and Zoloft, many people don´t want to become dependent on prescription medications or deal with their potential side effects. 

There are ways, non-prescription ways to deal with panic which may better suit the needs of some anxiety sufferers.

Exercise is always a good place to start; it releases natural endorphins and provides an outlet for worry and aggression. It can also be a great self esteem booster and help you feel better about yourself. In addition, you can learn and utilize various relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing. All of these are a good way to spread positive vibes throughout your mind and body, triggering your body´s natural relaxation response.

Another great way to deal with the negative effects of panic attacks is to redirect your negative thoughts into positive ones. This is a simple premise but it takes practice and work to execute effectively. 

Essentially you are turning your thoughts away from obsessing on doom and gloom and all the potential things that can go wrong in a given situation to focusing on prior successes in similar situations or the positive outcomes that might be achieved.  By actively and consciously changing your thought pattern, you will lessen the natural physical response that your body goes through when feeling panicked.

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Firstly, what is a panic attack? A commonly accepted definition of a panic attack is ‘an exaggeration of the body’s normal response to fear, stress or excitement’. 20% of the adult population have experienced a panic attack which if left untreated can become a more regular occurrence. Some people have one or two panic attacks and never experience another while others have attacks once a month or several times each week. Even the fear of anticipating the next attack can be quite overwhelming for most people.
Typical signs of a panic attack area pounding heart, profuse sweating, higher sensory alertness and thoughts racing through the head which can be brought on without warning during any daily activity. Other symptoms include a tingling sensation in the limbs and a feeling of faintness. All of these sensations are brought on by adrenalin flooding the body in response to a potentially threatening situation. Some people can get so panicked that they will admit themselves to the emergency room in the mistaken belief that they’re having a full blown cardiac arrest. In fact twenty five per cent of those people who are admitted to hospital for chest pains are experiencing panic attacks and not heart attacks. Panic attacks can come on very quickly and usually last for between five and 20 minutes.
One of the causes of panic attacks is chronic stress which can be caused by financial worries, loss of a job, or perhaps a divorce, but more generally through unresolved emotional issues. People can have a full blown panic attack because they have grown up with some type of emotional trauma which they have repressed and never really dealt with. The situation can be exasperated through lack of sleep and the use of drugs, nicotine and alcohol or a poor diet which is high in sugar and caffeine which can all contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Psychotherapy can also be just as important in treating panic disorders as medication. Mental therapy helps establish the irrational fears which can then be addressed with relaxation techniques. A combination of both medical and psychological treatment can ease anxiety and prevent panic attacks, together with proper lifestyle choices.
Panic attacks can affect both men and woman, but women are much more likely to seek help whereas men typically tend to internalize anxiety and stress and may even turn to alcohol in order feel more relaxed. Use of alcohol is not a long term effective treatment and can even lead to alcoholism.
If you do experience a panic attack the first thing to concentrate on is your breathing. When we’re anxious we tend to breathe more shallow which in turn leads to increase in heart rate. You should take deep breaths and try to relax. Longer term treatment should include therapy, medication and a healthier lifestyle. Follow the basics of self care with exercise and diet, and surround yourself with a support network that you can talk and discuss any issues, so that you don’t have to live in fear.

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Hypnotherapy has been used as a treatment for different types of physical and mental conditions for a long time now. It has been more than thousand of years now that this therapy is utilized throughout a variety of cultures. In the mid 20th century, modernized version of it was introduced as a medical technique. This was supported by both American as well as British medical Association.

When it comes to panic attacks, there are several ways hypnotherapy can work. In fact, the therapy has been proved helpful in several cases of panic attacks and individuals have been extremely happy with the performance and its effects.

It is sad but true that about one third of American population has already suffered form a panic attack at least once at same point of time in their life. There are several reasons for this. One of the main reasons remains ignorance about the disease, symptoms and treatment options.

One of the most effective options is hypnotherapy. It will help a person to cope up with panic attacks very efficiently. The treatment is fast  and does not leave a negative impact on the patient. The technique helps the person to experience relaxation in a positive and quick pace. 

Hypnotherapy has been extremely successful in teaching panic attack sufferer a brand new way to think as well as behave. There are a lot of breathing exercises and visualizations included in the technique in order to make the sufferer fearless.

The latest accepted technique of hypnotherapy for curing panic attacks is known as hypo- analysis or Analytical Hypnotherapy. This herapy is extremely focused as well as intensive type of talk therapy that helps a patient to be in a safe as well as secure environment. Thereafter it makes the patient travel through the process of identifying as well as underlying cause of patients phobia, anxiety or panic attacks. The process is carried out via using hypnosis.

Once the ulterior cause of panic or anxiety is identified and minimized, all symptoms associated to it would reduce dramatically.

The process of treatment that utilizes this therapy can take a long time and may also be heavier on your pocket. However, the process is extremely effective and facilitates the patient to undergo a self analyzation as well as understand the actual source of fear and anxiety.

A lot of studies have reported success of hypnotherapy in curing panic attacks. Many researches have even suggested effectiveness in helping patients get rid of panic attack.

Experts recommend to try some sessions of hypnotherapy to experience its effectiveness. This will help you get a feel of whether it gives you any impact on your sense of anxiety and well being.

Panic attacks can be quite uncomfortable, abnormal, scary and even stop you from carrying out your daily life activities.

Turning to hypnotherapy will surely help you achieve your goals. It will provide you a life that’s free of any kind of panic or anxiety attack.

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