Stress appears to be at the focal point of panic attacks and most, if not all, anxiety disorders. While studies are still ongoing to pinpoint the main cause(s), it is widely accepted that the higher stress levels you have increases your risk of having a panic attack.

You might want to reread Ways to Control Panic Attacks before continuing.

After It First Happens.

You can have a panic attack literally at any time. This is a fairly accurate statement especially for the first episode. But these almost ten minutes of sheer terror are not really what makes panic attacks a disturbing problem – it’s the after-effects.

A first panic attack leaves you fearful of a repeat experience. Can’t you simply charge it to stress and forget the experience ever happened? Not if the symptoms still plague you long after it has happened.Often, people, situations or things you associate with that initial panic attack remind you of your experience. You may or may not be aware but you will begin to stay away from these people, or situations. That ever-present fear of another panic attack makes you over skeptical of social invitations. In time, what were ‘normal’ activities for you become stressful chores you fear.

Trauma and Panic Attacks.

Traumatic experiences affect you in basically the same way as an initial panic attack does. You exist in a state of constant fear because the fear you experienced the first time around has not left your consciusness.

Military men and women who have had actual combat experience go back home changed by the violence they’ve seen. They dream of the terrible violence they’ve seen in full, high-definition color, courtesy of the brain’s powerful recording capability. After being held hostage at gunpoint in their own homes, victims begin acting weird where they once felt safe and secure. Post-traumatic stress disorder often complicates to panic disorders.

See this recommended article on Biological Treatment For Panic Attacks.

Lifestyle and Panic Attacks.

If you’re life is stressful enough to require a daily cocktail of anxiety medication and strong coffee, you’re a prime candidate for a panic attack.To some extent, anxiety is helpful. But if it’s not within your control, as when you down prescription drugs, consider theraphy. If you’re alcohol dependent, perpetually sad and moody or addicted to coffee, you are setting yourself up for a panic attack.

Your Mental Wellness is Important.

Because of technology, life proceeds at a very fast pace and anxiety is a big part of it. We each develop a mechanism to cope with stress, but it’s important to do it  the healthy way. Before scientists find genetic causes of stress and anxiety disorders, keeping mentally healthy is your best defense against panic attacks. Take care of your mind in the same manner as you take care of your body.