Panic Attacks Panic attacks affect 1 in 63 Americans each year. A quarter of people who suffer from depression also suffer from panic attacks. The attacks are unprovoked and come suddenly without warning. They are very difficult for people to deal with and I will explain in more detail what they are. A panic attack is a sudden and intense experience of fear combined with an overwhelming feeling of danger, accompanied by physical symptoms of anxiety, such as: rapid heartbeat, sweating and rapid breathing. People who suffer from panic disorder may have panic attacks repeatedly (at least several per month) and fear having an attack at any given time. Panic disorder is a chronic condition that can be very hard on a person's family, work. and social life. The first attack usually occurs without warning. A person could be driving a car, talking to friends, or even watching TV, and a seizure could occur. A pounding heart, sweaty palms, and a feeling of impending doom are common feelings before the attack occurs. The attack may last only a minute or even seconds, but the fear and emotional pain can be very disturbing. People who suffer from panic attacks are always afraid of suffering another one after the first. As fear increases and attacks worsen, people avoid places where attacks have occurred in the past. In extremely severe cases the victim may refuse to leave the house for fear of having an attack. This fear is known as agoraphobia. People with untreated panic attacks may have trouble going to work or even staying at work. If they continue for longer periods of time without treatment, they can lead to depression, substance abuse, and even suicide... middle of paper... and overcoming attacks can be very scary and difficult. for those who are willing to change their lives for the better. I respect and admire others who are strong enough to make it. Overcoming attacks can be as difficult as having them. People who don't suffer from these attacks don't understand how difficult it is for others to go through this. The victim doesn't ask for them to happen, in some cases there is nothing you can do to stop them from happening. It can be a never-ending battle that a person faces every day. Having to go through life with all that pain can cause many problems not only for the person suffering, but also for everything around them. The first step towards healing is to realize that you actually have a problem and after that all you can do is work hard to think positively and, above all, control and overcome your fears..