Despite their superstar status and larger-than-life personalities, the rich and famous can often be the victims of panic or phobias.  The fact that they have these fears and anxieties reveals how much like the rest of us they are. 

Quite often celebrities have fears that bother millions of the rest of us as well. What do some of the rich and famous fear the most?

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

Celebrities and non-celebrities can break out into panic attacks any time they encounter that which they fear the most. While it is common to be apprehensive about facing a certain fear or situation, there are some cases when the fear can be so debilitating that it causes total panic.

What is a panic attack?  A panic attack is a sudden intense fear followed by an extreme feeling of danger. It is often accompanied by sweating, rapid breathing, and rapid heart beat. Panic attacks are usually unprovoked and can occur suddenly. They can even worsen into a debilitating condition that can have a detrimental affect on a person’s family, work, and social life. An attack can occur at anytime and it can interfere with day-to-day activities. Left untreated, a panic disorder can sometimes lead to substance abuse, depression and, in rare cases, even suicide.

Those who have full-blown, recurring panic attacks can be psychologically disabled by their condition and should seek treatment. They should also avoid places or objects that have been known to trigger past attacks. A panic attack is not dangerous, but it can be terrifying, mostly because it creates a sense of being ‘out of control’ on the part of the person having the attack.

Occasional times of worry and moderate levels of anxiety are considered normal. However, panic symptoms that occur more often can be an indication that a person is under extreme psychological stress. Persons who experience frequent, debilitating panic attacks should immediately seek the assistance of a mental heath professional. Only a licensed therapist can diagnose a panic disorder.

Anyone who thinks that he or she may be experiencing symptoms of panic or anxiety are advised to join a support group or undergo sessions with a psychiatrist. Even something as simple as talking to a trusted friend, a loved one, or a church counselor can do wonders.

There are many techniques to manage stress that can also help people to control their panic symptoms. Frequent exercise is also known to have a positive effect on a person experiencing problems with fear and panic.

Check out this resource for more information and help with your Panic Symptoms.