You Can Combat Depression and Panic Attacks

Panic attacks and depression affect millions of people worldwide. Around 14 million Americans on average undergo depression and panic attacks, and 3 million Americans are coping with panic disorder. Panic attacks and heightened levels of anxiety also occur in people suffering from major bouts of depression. Since symptoms of panic disorder mimic those of several other ailments like heart, problems, hypoglycemia, and asthma, panic disorder patients who have been misdiagnosed tend to feel uncertain and afraid for their health. 

If you suffer from both panic attacks and depression but are totally unaware of it, the two can very well aggravate each other till treatment is prescribed. Since depression is hard to be diagnosed and treated properly, it is advised that you find suitable treatment as fast as possible.

The Effects of Depression and Panic Attacks


People undergoing depression experience boredom, hopelessness, sluggishness, loneliness, sadness, lack of love or even insomnia and heightened anxiety levels. This leads to an occurrence of panic attacks in such people on a regular basis. When panic attacks recur in an individual, he or she may develop a fear towards the symptom, or even a fear of returning to a certain place. This, in addition to a depressed attitude and constant worry and doubts regarding one’s self-worth can make the individual very miserable.

Medical professionals are discovering that combined occurrence of depression and panic attack is more common than previously thought to be. Many people suffering from panic disorder undergo depression as well, though the converse may not always be true. Some SSRI antidepressants, in fact, are being specifically prescribed for treating cases where anxiety occurs in combination with depression.

Several people suffering from depression are totally unaware of it. And if the individual afflicted with depression and panic attacks undergoes a panic attack, the experience can be very traumatizing. Frequently, some people experiencing panic attacks feel that death is near or fear that they are losing their minds. This can, in fact, prevent them from approaching a doctor, since they fear the worst, not sure of what is happening, or going to.

When they recover from a panic attack, they feel completely normal again, sometimes not thinking about it until it recurs again. Several people suffering from a panic attacks fail to realize that they are not the only ones suffering from it. A person undergoing depression and a panic attack may exaggerate the situation in his mind and aggravate the problem, even losing all faith in possible treatment.

Panic attacks, however, can be cured effectively. Such a cure can be achieved from a suitable combination of cognitive-behavior therapy, medication and relaxation techniques.

The first step to be taken is to approach your doctor and describe your symptoms and problems. Your doctor can guide you in getting rid of the problem.