Maynard's Readings Arcade

In spite of their superstar status and larger-than-life personalities, the rich and famous are not immune to phobias or having intense fear. By being as susceptible to fear and panic as the rest of us, they reveal how ordinary they can be.

Many celebrities have fears that hound millions of other non-celebrities. What do these celebrities fear the most?

Michael Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jennifer Aniston share the same fear of flying. Orlando Bloom is fearful of pigs and Johnny Depp is afraid of clowns. Nicole Kidman is fearful of butterflies. And would you believe that Pamela Anderson is frightened of mirrors?

Superstars and non-celebrities can break out into anxiety attacks when they are exposed to that which they fear the most. Even though it is common to be just uncomfortable about facing a certain fear or frightening scenario, there are numerous circumstances when the fear can be so overpowering that it results in total panic.

Just what is a panic attack? A panic attack is a sudden extreme fear followed by an overwhelming sensation of danger. It is often accompanied by anxiety, sweating excessively, rapid breathing, and rapid heartbeat. Panic attacks are unexpected and unprovoked. It may even intensify into a debilitating condition that present a damaging impact on an individual's family members, work, and social life. An attack can happen at anytime and it can hinder day-to-day activities. An untreated panic disorder can oftentimes lead to substance abuse, depression and, in rare instances, even suicide.

Panic disorders can develop during the adolescent years or early adulthood. Individuals with anxiety attacks have this dreaded fear of danger or terror and it may well repeat without forewarning. It is much more severe than the feeling of just being 'stressed out'. A panic attack includes:

> trembling

> shaking

> sweating

> chest pains

> hot flashes

> racing pulse

> feeling faint

> fear that you're going insane or about to die

Individuals who have full-blown, repeated episodes can be psychologically disabled by their ailment and should look for treatment. They should also stay away from places or objects that may induce another panic attack. A panic attack isn't dangerous, but it can be terrifying, largely because it generates a feeling of being 'out of control' on the part of the person who is suffering from it.

Only a certified therapist can diagnose a panic disorder. Infrequent bouts with worry and modest degrees of anxiety are still considered normal. However, panic attacks that occur greater than four times back to back is usually a sign that a man or woman is under severe psychological stress. Individuals who go through recurrent, debilitating panic attacks need to immediately look for the help of a mental heath specialist for panic treatment.

The majority of insurance plans and health management organizations (HMOs) offer coverage which includes panic attacks treatment. To make therapy more effective, individuals with panic disorders are advised to join a support group or undergo sessions with a mental health specialist. Even something as straightforward as talking to a trusted friend, a close relative, or a church counselor can do wonders. Stress management strategies and meditation can help cure panic attacks. Routine workouts could also have some relaxing effect on a person saddled with worries.