Panic Attacks + PTSD =

A new discovery! for me at least....

What are Anxiety and Panic attacks?
Anxiety attacks are sudden surges of overwhelming fear that that comes without warning and without any obvious reason. No sh!t. It is far more intense than having anxiety or the feeling of being 'stressed out' that most people experience.

One out of every 75 people worldwide will experience a panic attack at one time in their lives. Ok. but what if they all have their's on the same day? In any given year, about 1/3 of American adults have at least one panic attack; most of these adults never develop repeated panic attacks. Alright I'll bite. This startling data means that anxiety attacks and panic disorder are the most common emotional disorders and are more common than bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD <--- This one's on my list already, ADHD, phobias NO SPIDERS!, alcohol abuse or depression.

Anxiety and panic disorder also has the lowest rates - about 21% - for seeking help and finding it. I am not one of the 21%.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Those of you who know me know that I had a dissecting aneurysm around this time in 1998, was hit hard by Hurrican Hugo in 1989 and in the years between Iost my beloved step-mother and two dear friends. is one of the most debilitating anxiety disorders that can occur after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm was threatened or occurred. Traumatic events that can trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults such as rape or mugging, natural or manmade disasters, car accidents, or military combat. No, no, yes, yes, no, no.

Most people with PTSD try to avoid any reminders or thoughts of the ordeal. Despite this avoidant behavior, many people with PTSD repeatedly re-experience the ordeal in the form of flashback episodes, memories, nightmares, or frightening thoughts, especially when they are exposed to events or objects reminiscent of the trauma. Add to that list a period of weeks when a variety of events happed over the course of years.

Symptoms of PTSD also include emotional numbness and sleep disturbances (including insomnia) Good Lord I've got this one down pat!, depression, and irritability or outbursts of anger Though it is not Yom Kippur for 19 more days, nor am I Jewish, I humbly apologize to any and everyone who has suffered my wrath. Being part English-Irish and Italian is no excuse. Trust me when I say I am truly sorry. Feelings of intense guilt are also common. <--- this one not so much; I did the guilt scene in middle and high school. PTSD is diagnosed only if these symptoms last more than one month.

How Common Is PTSD?
About 4% of the population will experience symptoms of PTSD in a given year. Thank goodness; if there were many more of us things would be crazier then they already are.

When Does PTSD Strike?
PTSD can develop at any age, including childhood. Check. Symptoms of PTSD typically begin within 3 months following a traumatic event, Check. although occasionally symptoms do not begin until years later Check. Once PTSD develops, the duration of the illness varies. You can bet your a$ on that sentence.

The elements above have been whirling around me for the past sevral months; if not year. Recognizing panic attacks is new to me. One thing I know is when panic srikes it is best to stop what I am doing and breathe.

Sadly this is a day of RIPs.
Princess Grace in 1982.

















Ann Richards 2006.



















and Daniel Wayne Smith earlier this week.