How can panic attacks affect my life?

Since panic attacks are usually unpredictable, those that suffer from them live their lives in constant fear of an attack. The feeling of a panic attack is often so traumatic that people make negative associations about certain actions and places in their lives.

If someone suffers a panic attack while driving, he or she may not feel comfortable driving or even riding in a car. The anxiety surrounding driving may itself trigger a panic attack. This dread and fear creates a self fulfilling prophecy. If one is unable to drive or even ride in a car, their life will be greatly impacted. Commuting to work, doing errands, visiting friends, and travel of any kind become impossible.

If someone suffers a panic attack in a restaurant, he or she may avoid restaurants entirely, out of the fear of a possible attack. If, on another occasion, that same person experiences a panic attack in a movie theatre, the same avoidance occurs. Eventually, the number of places this person can go are greatly diminished. Activities that were once enjoyed are avoided, and the person becomes anxious in many common environments.

In addition, people suffering from panic attacks:

• are more prone to alcohol and other drug abuse
• have greater risk of attempting suicide
• spend more time in hospital emergency rooms
• spend less time on hobbies, sports and other satisfying activities
• tend to be financially dependent on others
• report feeling emotionally and physically less healthy than non-sufferers