A stressful event or thought triggers the classic 'flight or fight' response that human beings experience when they are in a situation of danger. But during a panic attack, these symptoms seem to rise from out of nowhere. They occur in seemingly harmless situations.
I have had clients who say that they weren't under any stress or were sleeping when it happened.

There may be a genetic predisposition to anxiety disorders; some sufferers report that a family member has or had a panic disorder or some other emotional disorder such as depression. All ethnic groups are vulnerable to panic disorder. For unknown reasons, women are twice as likely to get the disorder as men.

When I have explored what is going on with people I have found that they are experiencing other specific anxieties and/or phobias. One client had a fear of flying, and being in elevators. I believe that underlying fears can multiply one's fears and thus result in panic attacks. Then he/she thinks that the panic attacks are coming "out of the blue".

Children can suffer from panic. Children today have more reasons than ever to react fearfully. They live in unstable situations at home. Home is no longer a safe place. Mom or Dad are coming home drunk. Then they are fighting and arguing. Children are experiencing verbal, physical or sexual abuse. They are suffering loss from divorcing parents or a death in their families. Generally, children haven't learned how to problem-solve or handle stress in healthy ways. They may hold all their feelings inside. Then, eventually, the feelings and fears show up when these children start acting out, become depressed, anxious, or experience phobias, or panic attacks.

If you have some of the symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder please contact AACC for a referral to a Christian professional or see your family physician for a physical exam and recommendations.

There is spiritual help and hope if you are suffering from any of the anxiety disorders. The Lord addresses our fears by providing Himself as our security. In Isaiah 41:13 He says "Do not fear I will help you..." and Jeremiah 1:8 "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you".(NIV) Turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for real inner peace when your fears and the circumstances of life are weighing you down. He said in John 10:27-28 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."(NIV) Read the gospel of John in the New Testament to understand who Jesus Christ is and how to have a personal relationship with Him.

Resources: Order The Anxiety Cure by Archibald Hart and read some of the articles on faith on this site.

© copyright 2003 by Lynette J. Hoy, NCC, LCPC