Origin of Panic Attacks and Anxiety

Today most of the immediate dangers our stone age ancestors experienced do not exist anymore. You can imagine that as soon as you came out of your cave your heart-rate would probably be increased in anticipation of danger, such as a wild animal or rival tribesman lurking nearby.

As a stone age human you probably survived through being able to react quickly to any sign of a threat to your existence. Your physical reaction in getting you ready to run or fight would have been an immediate release of adrenalin. Your heart beat would have increased, your breath would become shorter, muscles tenser and you would increase your view from a narrower focus to a wide expanse. You may also have started to sweat and the blood would have been pumped away from your digestive system.

Unconscious Panic and Anxiety Reactions

All of these reactions were useful back then. Unfortunately some people still have the same sort of reaction to perceived danger rather than actual danger. Logically they know they do not need to get ready to run or fight but they have an uncontrollable and unconscious response to something that they are presented with.

Panic Attacks in Lifts, Planes, Trains and Public Speaking

That "something" might be riding on a train, a plane or in a lift. It might be the thought of having to do some public speaking such as talking in a meeting at work or giving that best man's speech. It might be a reaction to seeing a spider or any of the 1,000 or more types of phobias.

In effect they have the same reaction as stone age man but do not face the same danger. This seemingly illogical reaction is often classified as an anxiety attack or panic attack. When someone experiences such a reaction it unpleasant and can undermine that person's confidence.

Fear of the Fear

After this they may develop a dread or fear of it happening again. In effect they get to a stage where they fear the fear. This can lead to a withdrawal from doing certain things or going certain places just in case they experience their fear. The most popular tactic used by someone who suffers with panic attacks or anxiety is the tactic of avoidance.

Unfortunately avoidance provides temporary relief only and also starts to limit that person's life. Without help, some people find that they then develop panic and anxiety associated with other events and environments. In effect the range of the stimuli that triggers the panic increases.

Resolve Panic, Anxiety and Fears Sooner

The sooner you deal with an anxiety or panic reaction the better it will be for you and the less likely it is that it will increase. You can recover your confidence and expand rather than contract what you do with your life.

Hypnosis, EFT and Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Amongst the therapies that are used most often for panic and anxiety attacks are hypnotherapy and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). Both of these therapies are considered to be brief therapies and help the sufferer reduce their dread and fears and recover their confidence.