Granted, it's not pretty
This refers to the fear of loss of control. Of course, as long as we are afraid of real existing dangers, it is completely healthy, but fears can become rampant and become a tormenting anxiety disorder.
Fears such as agoraphobia can severely affect life. At the latest, when the home can not be left anymore. What helps with morbid fear of loss of control? Answers to combat these panic attacks can be found here.
Why we are afraid
Fears arise from a natural need for security. Fears protect us from dangerous situations. Panic helps us in danger. Even in primitive times man was only able to survive if he was afraid of the dangers that nature had in store.
Fear of falling kept him from getting too close to the edge of a precipice. Fear stopped him from going into the lion's den. Basically, all these fears are the fear of losing control. Vital in this case.
Nevertheless, the hunters and gatherers were forced to go out and face the natural dangers. And if the prehistoric man faced a dangerous predator - then the physical reactions that are typical of great terror helped him.
Panic makes the heart beat faster. The blood pressure rises. The muscles stiffen. Bear powers literally develop. Now he is able to either fight or flee.
From fear of loss of control to panic disorder
The brain, nerves and organs are still designed to produce these natural processes. But it does not often happen today that we suddenly stand in front of a predator. In comparison to the past, we live in great safety.
Nevertheless, we are still afraid of loss of control. More or less pronounced. Now, small spiders, narrow spaces or large squares full of people can scare you. We can not control these too. The fear of loss of control can become independent.
Symptoms of a panic attack
Affected suffer panic attacks, although there is no real danger to life and limb. Tachycardia, rapid breathing, sweating or chill, dizziness and nausea are the symptoms.
In addition, there may be: tremors, dry mouth, tightness in the throat, suffocation and pressure in the chest. Also tingling or numbness in the limbs occur.
These biological processes can easily be confused with serious illnesses like heart attack. This often creates a fear of anxiety. A vicious circle that always produces new fears.
If panic attacks with no real threat repeat several times, it is a panic disorder.