Stress is an integral part of our lives. It heightens our awareness, sharpens our focus, and enables us to stay alert and focused. Stress helps motivate us into action and helps to maintain a healthy balance of hormones and chemicals in the brain. However, abnormally high amounts of stress can result in anxiety attacks.

Anxiety can go unnoticed. It is easy to confuse anxiety and daily healthy stress. Prolonged anxiety and anxiety attacks should be recognized and treated aggressively. Anxiety attacks when left untreated can quickly become out of control and all consuming.

In order to recognize the indicators for an anxiety attack, you have to understand the symptoms of stress first. Each person experiences stress differently, but some of the general symptoms of stress include problems with memory, confusion, difficulty in concentrating and racing thoughts.

You’ll see some of the same symptoms in anxiety attacks as well, But the physical effects are dominant during an attack. A number of individuals experience difficulty breathing, a racing heart, trembling or shakiness within the body, aching stomach and hot or cold flushes.

When the attack has reached its high point, you’ll notice a feeling of being out of control or losing a grip on yourself. Unfortunately, those experiencing anxiety attacks don’t always recognize their symptoms as an attack.

It sometimes takes someone else who knows them well to realize that there’s something wrong. Once anxiety attacks are suspected in a person, they need to seek out medical attention from a professional who can determine if they’re anxiety attacks and not another medical-related illness.

When the doctor rules out medical possibilities and decides that they are anxiety attacks or panic attacks, he could suggest medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or even hypnosis.

It is a counselor’s job and skill to evaluate the client’s past and make judgements as to the cause of the stress and anxiety attacks. When the patient can understand and appreciate the reasons behind their condition an action plan can be set up specifically for the patient’s needs. Counselors can help the sufferer reduce their anxiety levels by also reducing their levels of stress.

When everyday stress escalates, there are ways to calm the overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Getting the proper help is a start to reducing the anxiety welling up within you. Finding out what issues are causing these emotions and learning how to deal with them can bring a sense of relief and feelings of comfort to know that there is hope.

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