…Some you suspected (and the one’s you got caught by)

Each one of us is unique. The trigger of my panic attack may be totally different to yours. Here are the common causes of panic attack:

• Genetics: Panic disorder runs in families, indicating that genes may be involved.
• Upbringing: The example our parents set in handling anxiety may strongly predispose us to anxiety and panic attacks.
• Anxious parenting: Parents with an anxious outlook may make us feel as if the world is dangerous, predisposing us to anxiety attacks.
• Poor blood sugar control: The body cannot function properly, and will signal danger if our blood sugar levels go hay-wire.
• Diet: A diet high sugar may trigger panic attacks.
• Alcohol: Definitely a trigger in people with panic attack.
• Caffeine: Ditto.
• Overactive thyroid: This may increase our anxiety levels.
• Balance problems: It is not really clear if panic leads to the feeling of loss of balance, or if a loss of balance leads to anxiety, but they are certainly associated.
• Vitamin B deficiency: We need sufficient vitamin B for our central nervous system to function optimally.
• Allergy: Although not proven it may be worth investigating if you are more prone to anxiety attacks when exposed to food allergies or to contact allergens such as cats, dogs and pollen.
• Life Transitions: Psychological and physical transitions like becoming a teenager, entering a new school or college or university, entering marriage, pregnancy, motherhood, widowhood, retirement, developing a chronic illness, first menstruation, menopause, erectile dysfunction, etc. are all legitimate causes of panic attacks.
• Loss: All kinds of loss may trigger anxiety because of the loss of our basic security - loss of a loved one, loss of a lover, divorce, job loss, loss of income, loss of our home, loss of a circle of friends when we move to a new home, town or school, etc.
• Terrifying experiences : A situation that very authentically threatens our personal safety and security is often the initial trigger for panic attacks which are later on triggered by very insignificant or light threats. Having been in a bomb explosion may make us terribly afraid of any loud noise such as a door that is blown shut by the wind. War experiences are notorious initial triggers but a burglary, being held by gunpoint, a hi-jack, car theft or physical violence are all valid as initial triggers.
• Drugs: Nicotine and marijuana are definite triggers of panic attacks, and should be avoided if by everyone with a tendency to anxiety.
• Inner dialogue: Anxious and negative self-talk through which we convince ourselves that we are in danger greatly contributes to anxiety and panic attacks. It is not as simple as merely telling ourselves to stop. This takes insight into our subconsciously held beliefs, fears, pressures and suppressed feelings.
• Unassertiveness: Almost all of us who struggle with anxiety and panic tend to be more polite and respectful. As a group we tend to be unassertive. It is unclear how this translates into anxiety attacks but being more open to outside pressure and not feeling in control contributes greatly.
• Medications: Many medications list increased anxiety as one of the side-effects. If you suddenly develop anxiety shortly after starting a new medication discuss it with your doctor. These symptoms may go away within a few days. If they don’t you may need to change medication.
• Your breathing style: Breathing from your chest may cause overbreathing as you are exhaling too little carbon dioxide in relation to the amount of oxygen you are inhaling.