Can you die from panic attacks? We clear up any doubts

Panic disorder can manifest in many ways. For example, symptoms like uncontrollable fears about going crazy to chest tightness can affect your daily life. Therefore, you might be wondering whether you can die from panic attacks. They don’t but if you do not do anything about it they can affect our health in the long run. To learn more go here.

While panic attacks may be caused by a health problem, they can be a reaction to high-stress levels as well. Therefore, it is very important that you commit to making some changes to prevent stress-related illnesses. So, the bottom line is untreated panic attacks can worsen over time which can eventually affect your physical and mental health.

Furthermore, we will discuss panic disorder health risks and how to bring tranquility into your life to prevent them.

How can panic disorders affect your health over time

You do not die from panic attacks per se but medical studies suggest that people who suffer them have more risk of suffering from health problems. The more you wait to do something about it the worse they will become.

Keep in mind that uncontrollable attack of fears can be a stress-related issue. Therefore, it is very important to adopt a healthy lifestyle and exercise more to manage them. Do you know that untreated panic attacks may affect your well being in the future?

Stress is normal and part of our daily lives. It can motivate us to do better. So, If our tension is not managed effectively we will become mentally and physically overwhelmed and burnt out. Hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine, adrenaline, and other chemicals will be produced.  This will trigger palpitations, heavy breathing, high blood pressure, and other symptoms. In a long-term situation, it will lead to a build-up which may cause stress-related health problems.

In addition, untreated panic attacks also can affect your lifestyle, career, and social life. For example, you will not enjoy your hobbies as you used to. Also, recurring intense fear will prevent us to be productive at work. Some leave their jobs due to panic attacks. Struggling with panic attacks at work? Read our article here to help you cope and be more productive.

Here are the physical and mental stress effects that you cannot ignore:

Stress-related health physical problems

High-stress levels can affect your body especially your organs in the long run. Headaches, fatigue, decreased sexual drive, and stiff muscles are some of the symptoms that might be affecting your health.

To help you understand better, we have included the following list of physical effects of stress:

• Heart problems

Palpitations is a normal response to stress.  However, keeping these levels too high may elevate your blood pressure and the cardiovascular system might be affected over time. Chronic stress increases the risk of heart attacks due to the persistent release of stress hormones. Although you do not directly die from panic attacks, your heart will be affected in the long run.

• Digestive problems

Stress can cause stomach ache, diarrhea, nausea, and bloating due to the constant release of stress hormones into the blood. Other issues may include irritable bowel disease, constipation, and ulcers.

• Low immune system

Stress can also have an impact on the ability to fight off colds, and flu, which means you would get sick more often and take a longer time to overcome. In addition, people will get susceptible to infections and autoimmune disease depending on your health history and lifestyle.

• Respiratory problems

Stress affects our breathing rates and natural rhythm. People working under pressure can make them shortness of breath and hyperventilation. In a long-term situation, it can worsen asthma and lung disease.

• High sugar levels

Scientific studies show that stress and insulin levels are related. Unmanaged chronic stress can increase blood glucose count which could trigger diabetes.

• Inflammatory issues

A constant release in stress hormones levels such cortisol can cause inflammation which can trigger body aches and worsen arthritis. As a result, there is a sensitivity to this hormone which can lead to a lower immune system. Keep in mind that a higher stress level means more cortisol and other chemicals will be released to your body. Eventually, this will cause damage to your bones and joints.

Long-term panic attacks consequences

Panic attacks are manageable. However, if left untreated, your quality of life will be affected. And more importantly, you are at risk of developing other mental health issues such as:

• Agoraphobia

The fear of leaving your home or driving may be related to your panic attacks. This is a type of anxiety disorder in which you avoid going to public places or events that may cause you to panic.

Although difficult to defeat, it can be treated successfully. The more panic attacks you have the more problems you will have going out and avoiding certain situations. Over time, you will feel trapped, helpless, and unable to deal with the problem.

How do you treat agoraphobia? You will need to learn how to manage your panic attacks. Knowing the signs and how to overcome it will help you fight it. Our article “How can I stop panic attacks naturally and fast” is a great source of information to help you defeat panic disorder.

• Depression

Intense and uncontrollable fears can be triggered by negative thoughts. In the long run, this way of thinking will cause depression which is a feeling of sadness and hopelessness that keeps you from living and enjoying a normal life.

Both panic attack and depression can have the same symptoms of insomnia, excessive worries, irritability, and others. Some have beat depression successfully by making lifestyle changes, manage stress, and sticking with the treatment (if applicable). Severe depression can also trigger suicidal thoughts.

Seek immediate help if you have them or planning suicide. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. It is a great source of information that you can find here.

• Alcohol or drug use

Although not everyone, some people struggling with panic attacks smoke, use substances and/or drink alcoholic beverages to feel better. However, these provide temporary relief but are also addictive. In a long term situation, they may worsen the symptoms and cause further health problems.

Panic attack lifestyle changes: How to create a more tranquil life

Although nobody dies from panic attacks, adjustments need to be made. You can transform your stressful life into a simple and peaceful life. We had to make changes for the sake of our mental health and physical wellbeing.

It is very important to deal with your panic attack as soon as possible. The sooner the better to prevent any of the previously stated health problems that also make a negative impact on your quality of life.

We have posted some ways of defeating your panic here as well. However, the following tips will help you not only to fight your symptoms but also will transform your life.

• Organize your days

There is nothing so frustrating than not knowing how to start your chores or tasks. Whether you have a job or you stay at home it is very important to make a to-do list to help you plan ahead and meet a deadline. You will deal with those that are easy and require less time first. It will help you to use your time wisely and will not feel overwhelmed.

• Indulge yourself

At least once in a while, we all need to find some relaxation time to help us release our weekly tension. You do not have to go to a spa to pamper yourself. Have a hot bath. You can add some drops of lavender essential oil, your favorite bubble bath, and some Epson salts. Or simply have a hot shower with a relaxing shower gel. Also, get your manicure or pedicure done. You can do so many things to help you find some tranquility.

• Go with the flow

Did you oversleep? Late for work? What is the worse that can happen? Think that there are good days and bad ones. The most important thing is how you deal with them. Even the bad days can be great because we always learn from them. Take a deep breath and start your day on a positive note.

• Be minimalistic and keep it simple

Get rid of clutter, save time, and do not think too much to simplify your life. For example, someone I know was worried about what to give her daughter’s friend for her birthday. It seemed like a life or death dilemma. Really? If it has happened to you that’s alright.

However, just think about how simple it is focusing on a great friendship instead of materials. A good friend will appreciate any gift no matter how small. Think about life itself and the small things life have to offer. For example, do not spend on unnecessary things but go for a walk or hike.

Look at the rain, tun off your cell phone while you relax, have a face to face conversation with someone you love, and admire the flowers are some ways to enrich your life.

• Exercise more

Staying active should be part of our life. Not only it helps distract us but also reduce our stress levels and improve our overall health. Walking, dancing or practicing a sport are some of the activities you can enjoy. If you are disabled, consult your doctor for a personalized fitness program. In addition, your breathing will improve, relax more and help stop your panic attacks.

Note: If you suffer from panic attacks it is best to engage in light exercise until the symptoms diminish.

Now you know that you cannot die directly from panic attacks, it is important to treat them either naturally or with medications. The importance is knowing the signs and how to deal with them before they get worse.

Our article “What are the panic attack symptoms and how to beat them” will help you deal with the symptoms which will help you put an end to panic attacks and defeat them before they control your life.

BLA

B.L.A. is a web developer/designer and writer who enjoys country life in western Pennsylvania, USA along with her husband C.C.A, who is also a contributor, co-author, and editor.

Check out their other blog SmartAroundyourWrist.com.