Get A Grip On Your Panic Disorder

Despite their celeb fame and larger-than-life personas, the rich and famous are not immune to phobias or experiencing powerful fear. By being as vulnerable to fear and anxiety as ordinary people, they expose just how average they can be.

Many superstars have fears that hound countless other non-celebrities. What exactly do these celebrities fear most of all?

Michael Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jennifer Aniston share a similar fear of flying. Orlando Bloom is scared of pigs and Johnny Depp is frightened of clowns. Nicole Kidman is frightened of butterflies. And would you believe that Pamela Anderson is terrified of mirrors?

Celebrities and non-celebrities can break out into anxiety attacks anytime they come across that which they fear the most. While it's quite common to become merely uncomfortable about facing a certain fear or alarming situation, there are numerous instances when the fear can be so overwhelming that it causes total panic or anxiety.

Just what is a panic attack? A panic attack is a sudden extreme fear followed by a massive feeling of danger. It is often accompanied by anxiousness, excessive sweating, rapid breathing, and rapid heart beat. Panic attacks are abrupt and unprovoked. It may even worsen into a debilitating condition that present a damaging effect on ones family members, work, and social life. An attack can happen at anytime and it can restrict day-to-day routines. An untreated panic disorder can possibly lead to substance abuse, depression and, in rare circumstances, even suicide.

Panic disorders can develop during the teen years or early adulthood. Individuals with anxiety attacks have this dreaded fear of danger or terror and it could repeat without notice. It is far more severe than the feeling of just being 'stressed out'. A panic attack includes:

> trembling

> shaking

> perspiring

> chest pains

> hot flashes

> rapid pulse

> light-headedness

> fear that you're going crazy or about to die

People who have full-blown, repeated attacks can be psychologically handicapped by their affliction and need to seek treatment. They should also stay away from places or objects which could induce another panic attack. A panic attack is not dangerous, but it can be scary, generally as it generates a feeling of being 'out of control' on the part of the person who is experiencing it.

Only a certified therapist can diagnose a panic disorder. Periodic bouts with worry and modest amounts of anxiety are still considered normal. However, panic attacks that occur in excess of four times in a row is usually a sign that a man or woman is under extreme psychological stress. Persons who go through repeated, debilitating panic attacks need to quickly try to get the help of a mental heath specialist for panic treatment.

Most insurance plans and health management organizations (HMOs) offer coverage that includes panic attacks treatment. To make treatment more effective, people who have panic disorders are encouraged to become a member of a support group or undergo sessions with a mental health specialist. Even something as simple as talking to a trusted friend, a close relative, or perhaps a church counselor can do wonders. Stress management strategies and meditation can help cure panic attacks. Physical exercise may also have some soothing effect on an individual saddled with concerns.