Panic Attacks

By Barbara Serating

Anyone who has a family member who has panic attacks becomes a secondary victim suffering along with his or her loved one.  Imagine that you have a parent that suffers from a condition that is called Agoraphobia.  Suddenly one parent cannot leave the house to do errands or attend school functions and becomes home-bound.     The other parent has to work to support the family.  Who will be available to take the children to their activities or lessons?  How do the children understand what is happening to either Mom or Dad?  They may feel that it is their fault that this is happening and place all the guilt on themselves.  

Most people who suffer from this heightened, extreme level of anxiety do not understand why this is happening to them.
 
1) What  is happening and what triggers the first attack?
a) An extreme loss such as the death of a parent or a spouse is enough to begin triggering panic attacks.
b) Others may begin feeling that they are having a heart attack and seek immediate medical attention in the local emergency department. 

2) After they sustain a panic attack
a) The fear that it will reoccur can be a major trigger for another episode.
b) Life is never the same once panic attacks become part of the family dynamics.

Did you know that there is a genetic component that may influence someone in the family to suffer these attacks?  Increased stress level in the family can also precipitate panic attacks. Many families are dysfunctional, which also increases the frequency of anxiety attacks.  How can young children feel safe as they watch Mom or Dad in the midst of an attack that causes their body to produce surges of the chemical called adrenaline?  Children are very bright and they immediately sense that something very bad is happening to someone that is responsible for their care and safety.

3) Changes occur for the family member afflicted with panic attacks
a) Victims begin by making excuses to the family as to why they can no longer shop on their own.
b) The other parent begins to become agitated and overwhelmed by having to handle many more chores that need to be done. 
 
It becomes particularly difficult when a member of the family is in denial that something very upsetting is happening within the family.  Arguments and confrontations begin to occur until someone within the family reaches a breaking point.  The close bond that was shared within the family begins to unravel as they contend with all of the problems that go along with trying to cope with panic attacks.  If any of the family members allows these attacks to continue, they become enablers. It is terrible to see someone you love spin out of control.

4)There are forms of intervention and treatment for this disorder
a) Medication
b) Family or individual counseling,
c) Support groups
 d)Relaxation techniques are known to stop or control agoraphobia.

 Families need to enjoy their home as a safe haven from a world full of disasters and crime.  There is just a small window of time that a family has to raise their children.   Uncontrolled panic attacks that a family member is enduring are an enormous problem for all members involved.

The good news is that a family that copes with this disorder effectively can recover and be even stronger than ever.  Seek treatment for this condition and allow the family to heal and enjoy life once again.