Understanding Panic Attacks: Symptoms, Causes, and Spiritual Perspectives
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over four million Americans have panic attacks. Panic attacks are random debilitating episodes where one suffers from intense feelings of terror or anxiety.
These episodes can last several minutes and can come along with many other symptoms, including but not limited to:
Rapid or pounding heartbeat
Heart palpitations
Sweating
Shaking
Shortness of breath
Hot flashes
Lightheadedness or dizziness
The sense of impending doom
Chills
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Chest pain
A headache
Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet or face
Flushed face
Sweaty palms
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Causes of Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are emotionally debilitating and traumatizing. During a panic attack, the sufferer feels as if something bad is going to happen to them at this very moment and may even feel as though they are going to die.
Panic attacks are commonly mistaken for heart attacks because of intense chest pain. Many who suffer from their first panic attack find themselves in the emergency room. A panic attack is basically the body's fight-or-flight response going off, even though the threat is irrational.
For some, panic attacks come out of nowhere and have no known cause. Some researchers believe genetics can play a role, as it's common for those who have family members who have panic attacks to have panic attacks as well. For others, traumatic events or certain situations can set off panic attacks. Such as being attacked violently, being robbed, or going to war. But it may be something as mild as going to public events or just leaving the house. Panic attacks can also stem from stress and anxiety disorders.
After the panic attack has passed, depression, helplessness, and shame can add to the suffering. The fear of having a panic attack again can cause them to avoid certain situations altogether, disrupting normal life, work, and relationships. It's common to experience intense fatigue and be emotionally drained after a panic attack as well.
If you suffer from more than one panic attack throughout your day, week, or month, it is important to seek the care of a doctor. They can help treat your panic attacks through therapy and possibly with some medication. Though seeking a doctor is the most important thing to do, there are things you can do now to help when you notice a panic attack coming on.
First, you must acknowledge the fact that you are having a panic attack and you will not die. Of course, this is easier said than done, but panic attacks are usually irrational, and you are unlikely to die. Second, move to an area that is comfortable and last, try to adjust your breathing by slowing it down. Combining these three tips can help your body get through the attack faster.
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What Are the Spiritual Reasons for Panic Attacks?
Fear
Lack of Self-Control
Worry
Lack of Prayer
Trust in Wrong Thing
Leaning on Self
Not seeking Deliverance Through God
Dwelling on the Cares of the Heart
Panic attacks can often have spiritual roots, as they are not just a manifestation of physical or mental issues, but can also stem from deeper spiritual conflict.
The spiritual reasons for panic attacks may include fear, which can result from not fully trusting in God and leaning on oneself instead. Lack of self-control and excessive worry can contribute to panic attacks, highlighting the importance of seeking guidance and deliverance through prayer.
Sometimes, individuals may not realize that they are focusing on the wrong things or dwelling on the cares of their heart, further aggravating their inner turmoil.
By exploring these concepts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual reasons behind panic attacks and work towards finding lasting peace and healing.
Fear
People may suffer panic attacks because of fear of various aspects of their lives, such as the future, failure, or other uncertainties. This fear can manifest in physical symptoms, leading to panic attacks.
Lack of Self-Control
When individuals have difficulty controlling their thoughts, emotions, or behaviors, it can lead to heightened anxiety and panic attacks. This lack of self-control can stem from various spiritual issues.
Worry
Excessive worry and anxiety about different aspects of life can contribute to the onset of panic attacks. People who constantly dwell on negative thoughts and potential catastrophes may be more prone to experiencing panic attacks.
Lack of Prayer
For individuals who find strength through prayer and spiritual connection, a lack of prayer or spiritual practice may leave them feeling vulnerable to panic attacks. Prayer can provide comfort and guidance during times of anxiety.
Trust in Wrong Thing
Placing trust and reliance on material possessions, social status, or other temporary sources of security instead of a God can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety, potentially triggering panic attacks.
Leaning on Self
Relying solely on one's own abilities and strengths without acknowledging the need for external support and guidance can lead to overwhelming feelings of pressure and anxiety, increasing the likelihood of panic attacks.
Not seeking Deliverance Through God
Failing to seek spiritual support and deliverance from God when facing challenges and difficulties can leave individuals feeling isolated and overwhelmed, contributing to the development of panic attacks.
Dwelling on the Cares of the Heart
Continuously focusing on personal worries, burdens, and emotional struggles can lead to anxiety and panic attacks. It is essential to release and manage these cares effectively.
What the Bible Says About Panic Attacks
The Bible offers us guidance, comfort, and strength in times of trouble and distress, including panic attacks.
Throughout its pages, we can find verses that remind us of God's sovereignty, love, and peace that can help us overcome feelings of fear and anxiety during panic attacks.
The following 12 verses highlight the biblical truth that we do not have to face these struggles alone, but can turn to God for refuge and healing.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Matthew 6:25
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Hebrews 13:6
So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Isaiah 41:13
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."
Psalm 94:19
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Panic attacks are serious and debilitating episodes that affect millions of Americans. Various factors can trigger these episodes, including genetic predisposition, traumatic events, stress, and anxiety disorders.
While panic attacks can be emotionally and physically distressing, seeking help from a healthcare professional is crucial for effective treatment and management.
Exploring spiritual reasons behind panic attacks, such as fear, lack of self-control, and worry, can provide insights into addressing these issues from a holistic perspective.
By combining strategies for coping with panic attacks and drawing strength from spiritual beliefs and scriptures, individuals can find comfort and support in overcoming the challenges posed by panic attacks.
Remember, you are not alone in facing these struggles, and by seeking help and leaning on faith, you can navigate through these difficult moments.
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Disclaimer: It is important to note that I am not a professional in mental wellness, nor are the information and insights in this journal written by professionals. The content provided solely stems from personal experiences and the lessons imparted by God through those encounters. Read full disclaimer here.
