No!

OK. Question answered?

Well I guess I better explain why it’s not true that panic attack symptoms are the result of a brain disorder, or a brain disease. My answer will calm the nerves of anxiety sufferers, so if you are one of those people you will want to read on.

If your brain was not producing serotonin at the optimal level it could create a scenario by which you can suffer from panic attacks, but this not what is happening inside the anxiety prone person’s brain.

However, there is no real proof from the scientific community that some people have brains that are damaged or diseased causing a serotonin imbalance. The anxiety panic attack/serotonin equation (and question) comes down to “the chicken or the egg” argument.

There is more data on the books that points a different scenario, that goes like this;

“When a human being experiences stressful events, or “thinks” in a way that creates stressful events or stressful thoughts, they can begin to have a serotonin imbalance that brings on all of the symptoms of anxiety, such as IBS, lack of sleep, lack of appetite, depression, agoraphobia, weight loss, constant fear, etc. etc.”

This is why many of the symptoms of “shell shock” or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are exactly the same as those who suffer from panic attacks and anxiety. Military personnel go into combat with perfectly normal serotonin levels in their brains, and a perfectly normal stress level and disposition, but after consistent high stress events they can experience a depletion of serotonin and all of the most common symptoms of an anxiety disorder. This backs up my argument highlighted in orange above.

As a fellow human being who has experienced prolong anxiety, including all of the symptoms imaginable – panic attack, constant anxiety, depression, IBS, agoraphobia, dramatic weight loss, etc – I believe this to absolutely the case.

Growing up I was a typical kid – maybe high strung a bit – but all in all, very typical. As a young adult I began to have problems with anxiety which led to a lifelong problem with the above symptoms, BUT – I never really crashed hard (so to speak) until there were prolonged events of a stressful nature, and multiple stress factors in my life seemingly coming from all directions. I can’t stress the word seemingly enough and I will get into that later in this post. Suffice to say that I never had a lower serotonin level then anyone else. I had a negative thought process which precipitated more stressful thoughts which became a severe snowball effect causing a cycle of panic attacks and depression. Luckily those days are long behind me now and I can now help others recover.

So with the two above examples (one being REAL and prolonged stressful events, and IMAGINED prolonged stressful thoughts) show how a perfectly normal person can find their serotonin levels depleted and in need of temporary medication (SSRI) and educational material to re-establish their bearings, both in thought, and in spirit.

You Do NOT Have a Brain Disorder!

So you see my friends. Anyone, or any human being, is capable of suffering from the symptoms of a so-called “anxiety disorder” if they are experiencing stress over and over and over again, whether it be real stress or imagined stress. It’s completely curable and something you will overcome with some education, some lifestyle changes, medical counsel, and/or temporary medication help to balance your serotonin levels while you make slow changes to your lifestyle and educate yourself.

I have wrote this article because I was concerned by the amount of traffic on the Internet from people concerned that they have some sort of life-long brain disease or brain disorder. This is NOT true, and this kind of misinformation can make your anxiety grow to even higher heights. If people online actually read these articles and start to believe that they have a brain disease/disorder then they will not only be terrified, they will fall victim to the perception that they are victims.

Thinking you are a victim is a problem, and must be dealt with. As long as you attach yourself to label as victim, your normal human ego will have trouble letting go of the mind created fantasy – similar to the negative fantasies people have everyday causing them stress, and sometimes runaway stress. Sometimes panic attacks.

Your True Essence and Destiny

Don’t let the sub-headline and picture fool you. This is not a religious web site (n fact religion is responsible for much of the stress humans suffer). The reality of your existence is all good. You may find that hard to believe if you have been suffering from years of negative mind activity and egoic delusion. (don’t worry, most of fit that description – me incuded)

The reason we humans suffer from anxiety is because we have forgotten the true gift of life. We have used our mind to think excessively in circles, and we have let ego become the ruler of our days – when the truth of our days is our connection to basic life on earth.

As soon as your mind is no longer consumed with some fear of loss (loss of life, loss of job, loss of respect, loss of money, loss of friends, loss of family, loss of control) you will understand that there is not a thing in your future to worry about, and nothing in your past to feel pain, anger, or guilt over. Once again, some may think this kind of talk is absurd, but it’s not. What’s absurd is worrying about a negative future that is not there yet, and replaying your past in the most negative light possible. You can see people around you that do this all their lives. You can choose to get off the anxiety train now.

If you are suffering from extreme anxiety you will VERY likely not be able to believe any of this “better” news. In fact, this kind of talk about a stress free life (and even bliss) may cause you to be angry and scoff at such a “fantasy” (the reality of this universe dictates that negativity and fear based thoughts and emotions IS the fantasy). But come back another day when you are not suffering with anxiety and read these words again. You will begin to realize that this is the truth. All humans understand that this message IS the truth, but our minds and egos want control so they can cling to identities and suffering.

Handling the Practical End to Anxiety Now – The Order of Priority in Recovery

All of the above segment is fine and well, BUT if you are currently suffering from extreme anxiety you will have to take some action to overcome your current extreme condition and bring an end to no sleep, no appetite, and no life.

You will have time to tackle your negative thought processes and read inspirational materials, but in a deep state of anxiety it is almost impossible to make that leap. First you need some help. You need drag yourself to the doctor and tell them your situation in detail. They may prescribe some form of medication to help you regain your balance and give you the chance to feel better – then you can make lifestyle changes, and start educating yourself on the REALITY of your precious life gift, and not dwell in your mind and ego that sees the world as a hopeless void. So this is the order if you suffer from a SEVERE SEVERE anxiety.

1. see a doctor and except the temporary medication

2. follow the med(s) directions EXACTLY and always consult a doctor and pharmacist regarding your progress and well being

3. educate yourself in ways of the mind and ego

4. make the lifestyle and thought process changes required

5. wean yourself off your anti-anxiety medication VERY slowly

If you only suffer from anxiety that causes some loss of sleep, some loss of appetite, some loss of energy, SOME TIMES, but find times of relaxation and peace periodically, you likely DO NOT NEED MEDICATION. This does not mean you don’t have to adjust your lifestyle and thought processes – I encourage you to do so – it just means you don’t need to be taking medication that you have buy and wean yourself off some day.

When You Have Come Through The Other End and Recovered You Will See Your Extreme Anxiety Was a Gift

After extreme anxiety sufferers completely recover they will tell you that they are grateful for the gift of their disorder. Hard to believe if you are still in a state of anxiety, but when you recover you will agree as well.

If you never experienced your anxiety you would never get to the point of reevaluating your thought processes, your lifestyle, and your surroundings. If you only suffered to the point of feeling down and “grumpy” the rest of your life, you may NEVER have made that leap to adjust your way of thinking and your way of living.

There is so much more to say, and so much more to learn. We will go into more detail on thought processing and ego dominated material later. MUCH more, but for now you must KNOW THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE A BRAIN DISORDER OR DISEASE.