Panic Attacks: Who Gets Them and Why? (Part 1 of 3)

Panic Attacks: Who Gets Them and Why? (Part 1 of 3)

Panic Attacks

 

Panic attacks: Who Gets them? What are  they?   How long do they last? How do you get rid of them? I hadn’t give any of these questions much thought years ago because…well, as snobby and heartless as it sounds, I just never thought about it because it wasn’t part of my world.

I didn’t have them, I’d never seen anyone have one, nobody I knew had them, and I knew very little about them. They were in that category of conditions that ‘other people’ had. I had my own set of medical conditions to keep at bay. Then I became an adult, had kids to raise, responsibilities to juggle, a job where people depended on me, bills to pay, and then BOOM!

 

How My Curiosity About Panic Attacks Began

 

My Story...

Patti Huck, Women Over Fifty Network

A long, long time ago…

I will never forget my first panic attack. I was a divorced mother of two. Both kids were in high school. My daughter was on the dance team, my son was in basketball and baseball. I played volleyball and had a passion for mountain biking. We were all busy, active, and happy.

Money was tight, but we were doing okay. I was a massage therapist, and also did medical transcription in office and as a freelancer at home. I was able to keep my work schedule flexible enough to allow me to attend all my kids activities.

At their high school, there were two gyms. On this particular day my daughter had an activity in the front gym, my son had a game in the back gym. I was rushing from work to get there in time to catch half of each of their events. Having stayed up too late because of a long night of typing, I was tired and looking forward to the last of this day’s activities.

As I approached the school, I noticed I felt kind of “spacey”, and a little bit short of breath. I assumed it was because I was moving fast, and didn’t think much of it, trusting I’d feel better once I got there.

After I parked, I was dashing down the hall toward the gym when I started feeling a bit dizzy. When I got to the gym door I stood there frozen. My body felt “tingly” all over. My face was hot, I was sweaty, and my head felt weird. This sounds odd, but, I could “feel” my eyes. Have you ever been “aware” of your eyes? Can’t explain it, except to say that it’s a really creepy feeling.

The first gym was full of activity and people pre-event. I needed to quickly find my daughter, but there I was, standing at the door of the gym like a deer in headlights, waiting to see what was going to happen next in my body.

What’s wrong with your mom?

Having attention drawn to me makes me really uncomfortable. Passing out on the gym floor would really worry my kids. Waking up after having passed out on a gym floor would really embarrass me.  So I was grateful that my body chose to kick in to automatic pilot. Sweatin’ like a mutha, my head roaring, and feeling like my eyes were popping out of their sockets, I busted through that gym door, and quickly found my daughter to let her know I was there. All I needed to do then was get to the second gym, slip into the stands, and watch the first part of my son’s game.

But…just as I left my daughter and was super focused on making my way across the last half of the gym, I saw one of the teacher’s walking toward me, smiling and waving. N-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!!!!

Getting through that conversation and appearing to be capable, normal and sane, was the best performance of my life. It was also one of the most uncomfortable and frightening 10 minutes I’ve ever remembered spending with anyone. As panicky as I’d felt, and the speed and intensity that these strange feelings had presented themseves, at one point I truly thought I was going to die.

Spoiler alert: I didn’t. Although, unfortunately, this wouldn’t be the end of these attacks. Their recurrence created a situation that was something new to me – fearing being in public and having another one. A worse one. One that had more symptoms. I worried about what would happen if I didn’t  snap out of it next time? What if it happened while I was driving? Was I putting my kids in danger because of this new inability to control my emotions? Because of the onslaught of all these fears and not having enough knowledge about what I was dealing with, I launched myself into some pretty intense research into the why’s and how’s of panic disorder. Here’s what I learned…

What Is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is “a sudden and intense episode of overwhelming fear or anxiety”. It can be an extremely distressing experience for those who go through it. Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly, or they may be triggered by specific situations or stimulus.

During a panic attack, the body’s “fight or flight” response is triggered inappropriately, leading to a surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones. This response is usually meant to help us deal with real threats or dangerous situations, but in the case of a panic attack, it occurs in the absence of any immediate danger.

 

How Do I Know It’s Just a Panic Attack? What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of a panic attack can vary from person to person, but typically include a combination of physical and psychological symptoms. Some common symptoms include:

      • Rapid Heart Rate, (palpitations or pounding heart).
      • Sweating and trembling, (or shaking).
      • Shortness of Breath, (or feeling like you can’t breathe properly).
      • Chest Pain, (or discomfort).
      • Feeling Dizzy, (lightheaded or faint).
      • Nausea, (or stomach discomfort).
      • Numbness, (or tingling sensations).
      • Chills, (or hot flashes).
      • Fear of losing control, (or going crazy).
      • Fear of dying.
      • Sense of detachment from reality, (feeling disconnected from oneself).
      • Intense fear or dread.

It’s important to note that a panic attack can vary in intensity and duration. Some panic attacks may last only a few minutes, while others can persist for long periods. People who experience panic attacks often report feeling extremely anxious, and may start to worry about having more attacks in the future, leading to a cycle of fear and anxiety.

It’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional if you, or someone you know, is experiencing panic attacks or anxiety symptoms, to receive proper evaluation and support. Treatments such as therapy and, in some cases, medication, can be effective in managing panic attacks and anxiety.

Are Panic Attacks More Common in Women or Men?

Research suggests that panic attacks are more common in women than in men. While panic disorder itself can affect people of all genders, studies have consistently shown a higher prevalence of panic attacks and panic disorder in women. Several factors contribute to this:

 

    1. Hormonal Factors: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, can influence the occurrence and severity of panic attacks in women.
    2. Social and Cultural Factors: Societal and cultural factors can play a role in the higher prevalence of panic attacks in women. Women often face unique stressors and expectations that might contribute to anxiety and panic.
    3. Biological and Genetic Factors: Some studies suggest that there may be genetic and biological factors that predispose women to be more susceptible to panic attacks.
    4. Psychosocial Factors: Women may be more likely to seek help for their mental health issues, including panic attacks, leading to higher reported rates.
    5. Comorbidity with Anxeity and Mood Disorders: Panic attacks often co-occur with other anxiety disorders and mood disorders. Since women are generally more likely to experience anxiety and depression, this could contribute to the higher prevalence of panic attacks among women.  It’s important to note that while women are more likely to experience panic attacks, these attacks can affect anyone, regardless of gender.

Are Panic Attacks Dangerous?

Panic attacks themselves are not physically dangerous. They do not cause any lasting physical harm or medical emergencies. However, they can be emotionally and psychologically distressing. The intense fear and physical sensations experienced during a panic attack can be overwhelming and can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily life.

One of the main concerns with panic attacks is the fear of having more attacks in the future, which can lead to a condition known as panic disorder. Panic disorder is an anxeity disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks and persistent worry about having additional attacks. It may lead to avoidance of certain places or situations for fear of triggering another attack, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

While panic attacks themselves are not dangerous, they can sometimes be mistaken for other medical conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as heart attacks. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are due to a panic attack or a medical emergency, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to rule out any other potential health issues.

That’s it for Part 1. We’ll dive a little deeper into panic attacks in older women and suggestions for ways to take control in Part 2 of this series coming soon.

 

Watch for Part 2 in this series…

  • To learn ways to lessen the severity of a panic attack, and possibly even stop it before it takes hold.
  • We’ll also look into tools, apps, and other devices and ways we can calm ourselves at the onset or during a panic attack.
  • Subscribe to our newsletter below to have the blog post come right to your inbox when it’s published. 

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I value your input, and would love to have you join us. You can visit Women Over Fifty Network HERE and poke around a bit first, or if you’re ready, you can just subscribe now below. I hope to see you in the comments!

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According to aging experts, yes. It is definitely possible to improve your memory and slow down memory decline, just by doing some simple activities and exercises.

Memory decline is a common issue faced by older people, which can affect their daily activities and overall quality of life. With age, the brain’s ability to store, process and recall information can decrease, making it more difficult to retain new information and retrieve old memories. This decline can be due to a variety of factors, including changes in brain structure, hormonal changes, and the natural aging process.

What Causes Memory Decline?

Memory decline can occur due to a number of reasons including decreased blood flow to the brain, changes in brain chemistry and structure, and certain medical conditions. Some of the most common medical conditions associated with memory decline are stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease.

It’s important to know that memory decline is not an inevitable part of aging.  There are several ways to help improve or slow down the process and keep our brains healthy as we age.

Activities that Stimulate the Brain

One of the best ways to keep the brain active and healthy is to use cognitive stimulation. Cognitive stimulation is engaging in activities that stimulate the brain and keep it active and engaged. Here are some examples of cognitive stimulation activities…

READING

Reading books, newspapers, or magazines can help improve cognitive function by increasing vocabulary, improving comprehension, and exercising the brain.

PUZZLES & GAMES

Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and word games can help improve cognitive function by challenging the brain to think critically and problem-solve (see examples below).

LEARNING A NEW SKILL

Learning a new skill, such as a new language or musical instrument can help improve cognitive function by challenging the brain to learn and remember new information. Resources such as Duolingo and Rosetta Stone offer online language courses, and YouTube has a variety of free tutorials for learning musical instruments.

PHYSICAL EXERCISE

Physical exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain and stimulating the growth of new brain cells. Walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga are all good forms of exercise for seniors. All have shown to have a positive impact on memory and cognitive function in older adults. Resources like Silver Sneakers offer online exercise classes specifically designed for seniors.

SOCIALIZING

Socializing with others can help improve cognitive function by stimulating the brain through conversation and social interaction. Some ideas for social activities include joining a book club, attending a community event, or taking a class. meetup.com is a great resource for finding local social events and activities. Studies have shown that staying socially active, whether it is through volunteering, joining a club, or simply spending time with friends and family, can help improve memory and cognitive function.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Mindfulness meditation has been shown to improve cognitive function by reducing stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact brain health. One simple mindfulness exercise is to sit quietly, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. There are many resources online that offer guided mindfulness meditation, such as Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer (my personal favorite).

NUTRITION

Nutrition also plays an important role in maintaining good cognitive health in older adults. Eating a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, can help to improve cognitive function, including memory. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as salmon, have also been shown to have a positive impact on memory and cognitive function in older adults.

ADEQUATE SLEEP

Finally, it is important to get enough sleep. Lack of sleep has been linked to decreased cognitive function, including memory. Older adults should aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help maintain good cognitive health

*It’s important to note that before beginning any new activity or exercise, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially for those with existing health conditions.

Brain Games

In addition to the activities listed above, there are also specific brain games and apps that are designed to improve cognitive function and memory recall. These games include matching games, word games and puzzles. Some popular online brain games include:

  • Lumosity. Lumosity is a popular brain training app that offers a variety of games and exercises designed to improve memory, attention, and flexibility.
  • BrainHQ. BrainHQ is another brain training app that offers a variety of games and exercises designed to improve cognitive function.
  • Peak. Peak is a brain training app that offers a variety of games and exercises designed to improve memory, attention and problem-solving skills.
  • Sudoku. Sudoku is a popular puzzle game that has been shown to improve cognitive function by challenging he brain to think critically and problem solve.

Resources

There are also many resources available for older adults who are interested in maintaining an improving their cognitive function. Some resources include:

  1. Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association offers resources and support for those affected by Alzheimers and other forms of dementia.
  2. National Institute on Aging. The National Institute on Aging offers information and resources on healthy aging and Bain health.
  3. AARP. AARP offers resources and information on healthy aging and brain health for older adults

In Conclusion…

In conclusion, while memory decline is a natural part of the aging process, there are many activities, brain games, and resources available to help slow down this decline and keep our brains healthy as we age. By staying active and engaged in cognitive activities, older adults can maintain and improve their cognitive function and enjoy a high quality of life well into their golden years.

I’d love to have you subscribe to my blog! I write about all things relative to women baby boomers. Through my blog posts, research, courses, videos and networking, I make every effort to connect women over fifty with each other.

I value your input, and would love to have you join us. You can visit Women Over Fifty Network HERE and poke around a bit first, or if you’re ready, you can just subscribe now below. I hope to see you in the comments!