-by Kristin Josiah
Panic attacks can cause intense physical and emotional symptoms, often triggered by trauma, anxiety or stressful situations.
International Healthcare Consultant Collin Haynes says the body can respond to overwhelming stress with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, headaches, heavy breathing and, in some cases, fainting.
“It comes from a, a trigger that happens as a result of an issue. We just talk about trauma, but trauma itself is one of those triggers that create anxiety attacks or what they call a panic attack. Essentially you’ve gone through something and then it has a physical imprint on you, shortness of breath, heavy chest,” he said.
He says recognising what triggers a panic attack is an important first step in managing the condition.
Haynes advises people to address the source of their stress by developing a practical plan and seeking help where necessary. He also encourages persons to talk to family members, friends or trusted individuals rather than trying to cope with overwhelming stress alone.
“The first thing is, as I always say, we, we have to recognize what is the, the, the stimuli or, or what is the issue? What causes it? Right. And I think when you find it out, then you say, how do I address this?” he explained.
Haynes says recognizing the warning signs early and taking steps to manage stress can support better mental well-being.
Persons experiencing severe or unfamiliar symptoms, especially chest pain or difficulty breathing, should seek medical attention to rule out other health conditions.