If an individual suffers with such ailments the complaints are sometimes minimized by others, mostly due to a lack of understanding and not a lack of caring. I can certainly relate to the responses to migraine issues, as I am a chronic sufferer.

Obviously there is a major difference in a migraine issue and anxiety attacks but I have found that people respond similarly when the topics are discussed, that is, unless the other person has experienced the issues first hand.

As for panic attacks, they are often dismissed with such comments as, there is nothing to worry about, you need to loosen up, just relax. Even close friends and loved ones seem to want to deny that there is a real problem. Perhaps it is simply that this disorder focuses on elements that cannot be confirmed easily.

Of course panic attacks are based on irrational or illogical fears. But I believe the denial goes beyond that. I think it has more to do with the fact that some associate a panic attack with a break down of sorts and that is just not acceptable. That is rather ironic since we do live in a high-stress time.

Most mental illnesses tend to be ignored longer than physical illnesses. Perhaps this is due to an embarrassment of admitting that there is a problem at all. Treatments have come a long ways over the years and seeking help is the first step to recovery or at least to keeping the symptoms in check.

If left untreated panic attacks often result in other disorders as well. It is not uncommon for a sufferer to slowly eliminate places and situations from his/her life because of the fear of having an anxiety attack there. Eventually the sufferer may choose to stay home more and more, as it seems to be the safe zone for most sufferers. Overtime the sufferer may find that he/she has become a virtual prisoner in his/her own home.

This in fact becomes agoraphobia. As the individual feels trapped, isolated, and lonely he may soon become depressed. The fear of panic attacks at an inconvenient time and place continues to keep him home, the fears increase as does the depression.

This becomes a vicious cycle. There are various treatments available but the individual must seek the help they need. If you or someone you love is suffering from an anxiety disorder the first step is to acknowledge that there is a problem. The next step is to get treatment.