Are depression and panic disorders interlinked?

Both panic disorders and depression are mental health disorders and both seem to be interlinked. Panic attacks are characterized by feelings of anxiety, chest pain, heart palpitations, tingling in the hands or feet, sweating, faintness, trembling, and shortness of breath. These feelings last for some time and then fade away. However, panic attacks can make suffers feel embarrassed and unconfident.

It can affect the persons self esteem and result in feelings of stress and depression. Depression is a long term problem characterized by feelings of hopelessness, low self esteem, sadness, anxiety. People who suffer from panic attacks have a tough time facing an audience and often suffer in school, college and work places.

They tend to stay detached from social activities for fear of panic attacks. As a result, people with panic attacks suffer from loneliness, work and peer associated stress. All these finally lead to depression. A counselor may discuss a patient’s fears and insecurities while trying to figure out the root cause of depression. In many cases, it is the fear of panic attacks which results in depression. Therapy, self help books, cognitive behavioral techniques can help a patient who suffers from panic attacks and depression.