Anxiety attacks can happen anytime, anywhere when you least expect it.

Anxiety is what we always feel when we are in a tense situation, like studying harder for a major exam, rendering a speech in front of many people, or going on a blind date where you don’t know what to expect; even a bride definitely feel anxious on her wedding day (maybe thinking, what if she’ll be stood up by her groom! What a terrifying thought!). If you feel anxious or fear for certain circumstances or things and with logical reasons to be, it is just a normal and rational response. But, if you feel unexpected surges of overwhelming dread that comes without warning and for no reason at all, it is no longer regular anxiety but anxiety attack.

Anxiety attacks are far more intense than having the feeling of being stressed or anxious that most people experience. It is described as a sudden attack of intense fear or feelings of impending fate or disaster that strike without warning and for no apparent reason. And this can be immediately followed by several symptoms. It is far more intense than having anxiety or the feeling of being stressed out. One in every 75 people worldwide will experience an anxiety attack at one point in his/her life.

Anxiety attacks occur when a level of anxiety is reached which causes the adrenalin to produce severe symptoms which reach a peak in just a matter of minutes. The peak of an attack can range anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, but the symptoms may last a little longer. The symptoms of anxiety attacks are completely harmless, although they can be very frightening. Anxiety attacks belong to a group of anxiety disorder, like panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and agoraphobia.

Most anxiety sufferers report fear of dying, going crazy or losing control of emotions as well as behavior. The incidents generally provoke a strong urge to escape or run away from the place where the attack begins, and they are associated with chest pain or shortness of breath, and feeling of impending doom. Having an anxiety attack can be horribly frightening.

The following list of symptoms is just a guide only. Everyone reacts differently.

Some of the symptoms of anxiety attack are intense heartbeat, difficulty of breathing, palpitation, nausea, excessive sweating and trembling, chest pains, fearful of going crazy or about to die, or sudden chills. Some people may experience different or more anxiety attack symptoms but this does not mean that their condition is far worse or that you are suffering from different undiagnosed condition. And because we are all different, the symptoms during anxiety attacks can vastly vary. You might not find among the listed anxiety attack symptoms what you are experiencing and you’ll start to think there’s something very wrong with you. It’s important to realize that there is nothing wrong with you!

An anxiety attack usually last for several minutes and is considered one of the most disturbing condition that anyone can live through in everyday life. First comes the sudden jolt of fear. The attack can happen anywhere, like the store when shopping or driving down the highway. This results to an increased heart rate, labored breathing or hyperventilation, and sweating. The person having the anxiety attack is very afraid, and having little if any idea why.

Anxiety attacks can be treated successfully with or without having to go through medication or costly therapy. If you have an anxiety attack or feel one coming on, go to a safe place and try to relax. Breathe in and out slowly, and concentrate on a happy thought. Allow yourself to know that everything is okay, that you are safe, that no one is going to hurt you, and know that the feelings you are experiencing will go away very soon. If you have a supporting person that you can talk to, talk to them and allow them to be with you while you are experiencing the anxiety attack. Having someone that cares about you, with you, and helping you through the attack can be very comforting.