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Have you ever been to a crowded mall, sat in a classroom full of strangers, sat on the board of the PTO at the school? All of these things used to be part of my daily routine. However, I began having severe panic attacks when I stepped into these places and other situations.

I woke up from sleeping and could not get out of my bedroom because I was terrified. What was so scary? I could not tell you, because I do not know. I was sweating, my heart was pounding, and I was having chest pains. I thought I was having a heart attack. I called my husband and he had to come home to help me. How embarrassing. I am a thirty three year old woman, and I cannot walk out of the door of my own bedroom? This is called a panic attack and if left untreated it can lead to a severe change in the way you live your daily life, and even change your personality in a very short period. I am not talking about feeling anxious about certain situations; I am talking about changing your daily routines and avoiding situations and people because you are afraid another attack will happen.

Panic attacks can occur at any time. Because they are unpredictable people worry between episodes intensely and dread the next attack. An attack usually peaks within 10 minutes, but some symptoms may last much longer. People who have full-blown repeated panic attacks can become very disabled by their condition and should seek treatment before they start to avoid places or situations.

When having a panic attack your body is defending itself against something. You can sweat, have shortness of breath, rapid heart beat, chest pain, feel unsteady, feel like you are choking, feel numb or tingly, experience chills or hot flashes, trembling, nausea, abdominal pain, feel disconnected, and fear "going crazy." The discomfort and a sense of danger the attack brings is so intense that people with panic disorder often believe they are having a heart attack or other life threatening illness.

If you do not seek treatment for panic attacks, three things can happen. The first is anticipatory anxiety, which is waiting for the next attack to occur. Most sufferers choose to do so alone at this stage. The second is avoidance, which is discontinuing activities that seem to trigger the attacks. Going to the park, driving and riding in elevators are just some that are avoided commonly. The third is agoraphobia, which is the fear of being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult. This is a severe form of phobic avoidance

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