As clinical social worker Jerilyn Ross, author of Triumph Over Fear: A Book of Help and Hope for People with Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Phobia, states “when anxiety becomes disproportionate to the situation and leads to avoidance of the fear-inducing situation and other undesirable consequences, it should be assessed”, she says. “And yes women are twice as likely to suffer.” But, why is it that women are more likely to experience anxiety and panic attacks than men?

Experts site both social/cultural and biological reasons that may contribute to a woman being more prone to anxiety and panic attacks than men. Cultural factors include the predominate ideal in society that women are expected to marry and raise children; that women are expected to bear the burdens of others and be caretakers, often to the neglect of their personal needs. Consequently, it is believed that because women are generally less assertive than men that women deal with more suppressed stress that eventually manifests itself through anxiety and/or panic.

Additional biological contributors, experts say, may include women undergo more drastic physical changes than men, including menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause which effect hormones and mood. Yet, while the exact cause of anxiety and panic attacks is unknown, and the specific reasons behind why women are more likely than men to experience such are also speculative.

In sum, anxiety is a very real condition. And, as with any disease or disorder, anxiety is not a respecter of persons. If you suspect that you may be suffering from one of the aforementioned conditions, remember that you do not have to live in fear. There is hope. There are various treatments to help you cure yourself of anxiety and panic attacks. Knowledge is power! And you have the power to take that first step toward conquering anxiety.

For starters, the best way to support a loved one who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, even depression, is to be a sounding board. This may sound simple, but the trick is to maintain your own health and well-being; to not neglect your needs as you help care for the needs of others. Giving someone with anxiety permission to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns enables them to better cope with that anxiety. The objective in serving as a sounding board is to help the individual learn effective coping mechanisms. It is not, however, your job to take on the problem for them. Additionally, by allowing the person to communicate their feelings with you, they should begin to identify triggers and patterns so as to reduce their likeliness of future panic attacks. Through open, honest dialogue, they can learn how to change behaviors and find the proper anxiety treatment. Remember, it is not your job to take on the problem yourself; rather, be a source of strength and support.

That being said, other proven effective ways of helping a loved one dealing with anxiety and panic attacks include:

Set personal boundaries. Sometimes when we love someone, we think that by saying “no: we are not being a good friend, spouse, caregiver, or even a good person. This is not true. By knowing our own personal limitations, we can actually serve our loved ones better. In being open and honest, and knowing our own limitations, the seeds of effective communication are bred. And, good communication is essential in any relationship. If a friend or spouse who knows that they can be honest with you, and get an honest response in return, will not only appreciate and trust you more, but will communicate with you more, as well. Moreover, by setting personal boundaries, you will avoid any potential resentment of the other person’s problems and struggles. You will also avoid emotional exhaustion. In other words, setting personal boundaries helps you maintain a level of self-preservation which is good for both you, and your loved one.

Educate yourself. It is important to educate yourself about panic attacks-what triggers them, the signs and symptoms, and effective anxiety treatments. Occasionally, at the peak of frustration, we forget that anxiety attacks/panic disorder is a real condition that requires treatment. It is not as if the individual is choosing to have a panic attack. When we understand more about what a person is feeling and thinking when experiencing panic attacks, we are better equipped to support them as well as maintain our self-preservation.

Encourage, reassure, and support. Depending on the level of anxiety your loved one experiences, it may be helpful to not only encourage them to seek the advice of a mental health professional but also seek personal support. As you research panic attacks and encourage your loved one to explore anxiety treatments, you may seriously consider seeking support to help you cope with the secondary effects.

In sum, so as to help another person we must also help ourselves. By becoming informed about panic attacks, anxiety treatments, you will not only better support your loved one but you will be better equipped to cope with the secondary effects. It is never easy watch a loved one face the potentially debilitating effects of panic attacks, as such it is important to be aware of how their condition may affect you so that you can help them, help yourself, and nurture your relationship together. Remember, the only thing to fear is fear itself. When we understand that anxiety attacks are a real, but very treatable condition, we are better able to empower others in the healing process. Panic attacks do not have to control your life. We each have the power to conquer our fears.

So, what causes an anxiety attack? While it is not clear what exactly causes anxiety attacks (or panic attacks), it is understood that anxiety attacks are the result of a malfunction in an individual’s natural response to stress. It should be known that fear and panic are natural emotions exhibited by human beings in times of stress and that panic is very natural and common. Yet, individuals suffering from anxiety attack disorder must learn to determine what triggered their response so as to better cope with reducing the frequency of attacks. For instance, if you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night worrying about your debts, or having difficulty falling asleep the night before an exam, you can logically ascertain that those are triggers. As such, you can begin learning effective coping mechanisms.

In some instances, panic attacks are the result of natural causes (and not simply external stress of life events). For instance, asthma, diabetes, thyroid disorders, epilepsy, adrenal disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or acute respiratory distress syndrome can induce panic attacks, or even increase one’s likeliness for panic attacks. Additionally, if one is particularly prone to panic attacks, they may find it helpful to consult a therapist to determine whether or not the frequency is representative of a possible mood disorder such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress (PTSD), or major depression. In doing so, effective natural anxiety cures can be identified.

Speaking of treating anxiety attacks, treatment is usually based on both frequency and severity. Common anxiety treatments include the following:

Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, controlled breathing, and guided imagery may help reduce anxiety.

Using sensors that measure physiological arousal brought on by anxiety (such as changes in heart rate and muscle tension), biofeedback teaches you to recognize and control these body processes.

Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis for anxiety is conducted by a clinical hypnotherapist who works with you using different therapeutic techniques while you’re in a state of deep relaxation.

Acupuncture. An ancient tradition in popular Chinese medicine, acupuncture may also help reduce anxiety.

Furthermore, natural remedies for panic attacks include valerian root and kava. Remember, panic attacks are a very real disorder. Yet, you do not have to live with the pain of anxiety. Panic attacks are treatable.