priority is placed upon searching the surroundings for potential threats . In this state one is highly-strung , so to speak . It is very difficult to concentrate on any one activity , as the mind has been trained to seek all potential threats and not to give up until the threat has been identified . As soon as the panic hits , many people look for the quick and easiest exit from their current surroundings , such as by simply leaving the bank queue and walking outside . Sometimes the anxiety can heighten , if we perceive that leaving will cause some sort of social embarrassment .
If you have a panic attack while at the workplace but feel you must press on with whatever task it is you are doing , it is quite understandable that you would find it very hard to concentrate . It is quite common to become agitated and generally restless in such a situation . Many individuals I have worked with who have suffered from panic attacks over the years indicated that artificial light — such as that which comes from computer monitors and televisions screens — can often trigger or worsen a panic attack , particularly if the person is feeling tired or run down . This is worth bearing in mind if you work for long periods of time on a computer . Regular break reminders should be set up on your computer to remind you to get up from the desk and get some fresh air when possible .
In other situations , when during a panic attack an outside threat cannot normally be found , the mind turns inwards and begins to contemplate the possible illness the body or mind could be suffering from . This ranges from thinking it might have been something you ate at lunch , to the possibility of an oncoming cardiac arrest .
The burning question is : Why is the fight / flight response activated during a panic attack even when there is apparently nothing to be frightened of ?
Upon closer examination , it would appear that what we are afraid of are the sensations themselves — we are afraid of the body losing control . These unexpected physical symptoms create the fear or panic that something is
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