Short and sweet? Everything
and NOTHING!
In most documented cases of
Anxiety attacks, the patient rarely reports any event that would have
triggered the onset of the attack itself.
When an Anxiety sufferer returns back to a situation
or setting where a previous attack happened, this could trigger another
attack, just because they'll be reminded of how terrifying that first
attack was, and unconsciously be thinking about it successfully triggering
yet another attack! It's a vicious cycle of fear.
And the greatest fear of an
Anxiety attack/disorder sufferer? To have ANOTHER ATTACK! Hopefully
this is beginning to make a little more sense to you now. Of course
the attack hasn't killed them, and most likely won't, but it can sure
feel like you're dying at the moment when an attack is occurring though.
So, the greatest determiner
of having an Anxiety attack is also your greatest treasure, your MIND.
Even though you can tell someone that is having an Anxiety attack that
"It's All In Your Mind", this usually comes out leaving them
feel you are trying to be condescending to their plight. Not a nice
feeling I'm sure you'll agree. Even though you don't mean it in that
way, this is most likely the way it is received.
To be more 'clinical' about
Anxiety, it is, in fact, 'all in your mind'. Because the BRAIN is where
all your Anxiety stems from. Many studies have focused mainly on two
specific portions of the brain that are responsible for inducing feelings
of fear and anxiety. It is simply an unannounced trigger that sets off
one's fight or flight defense mechanism, kicks in the adrenaline,
and BAM! A full blown Anxiety attack is on it's way forward.
Many times, Anxiety is brought about due to increased stress from daily life. Bills piling up, children seemingly out of control, pressure from work, family, and other events can trigger this disorder bringing it to the surface of an otherwise dormant carrier of the genetic traits passed on by their parents.