Do you frequently worry that something negative will happen?
Anxiety, restlessness, a sense of urgency, or a feeling that tragedy will happen are all common symptoms of having a sense of dread or impending doom. People with specific mental health conditions are more likely to experience it than others. These dreadful feelings can strike quickly and seemingly out of nowhere. It might happen from anywhere at any time, frequently, or just sometimes.
If you want to understand what can cause this feeling and what you can do about it, read the article below!
What Is a Sense of Impending Doom?
The overwhelming sense of impending doom may occur infrequently or repeatedly. These emotions may arise on their own, or they may come before, together with, or after the increase of other anxiety symptoms and sensations. One or more of the following are frequently used to characterize the symptoms of impending doom.
- A sense that something terrible is about to happen and that you can do nothing to stop it.
- A severe sense that you are about to pass away.
- Intense fear of impending danger, destruction, hopelessness, and melancholy.
- Beginning or accompanying a panic attack or anxiety attack is the fear of coming disaster.
- You experience such a powerful feeling of dread that you believe you must go right away lest something terrible occurs.
What Causes the Feeling of Impending Doom?
Numerous physiological or psychological reasons could aid in describing the reasons for the constant sense of impending doom and how it develops.
- Stress. Stress chemicals cause the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) to become active. This stimulating effect is an essential component of the body’s survival strategy. Stress hormones cause the amygdala to become hypervigilant, searching for danger while alerting the body to its presence. High levels of stress cause high levels of terror. Consequently, an overwhelming sense of impending doom and gloom can result from a high degree of stress.
- Depression. When you’re depressed, your perspective on the world changes. Other signs of a depressive episode include feeling hopeless or pessimistic, having suicidal or self-harm thoughts, and having less energy and weariness.
Panic attacks [1*] . Many other anxiety illnesses, such as panic disorder, can cause a sense of impending doom. This sensation can accompany involuntary panic or anxiety attacks brought on by continuously heightened stress, particularly if it is in the high degree range.- Bipolar disorder. Patients with bipolar disorder frequently suffer from dramatic variations in their mood, energy, and activity level. Manic highs and depressing lows are characteristic of this. If you’re going through a depressive episode, you could believe disaster is coming soon.
- Medical conditions. Some acute medical issues may present with symptoms of impending doom. The brain may receive a warning from the bodily signs that something is seriously wrong. Medical conditions that can cause impending doom can include the following:
- Heart attack
- Seizure
- Asthma
Anaphylaxis [2*] (a severe allergic reaction)- Respiratory emboli (clots that break off in the legs and flow to the lungs)
How to Overcome the Feeling of Impending Doom?
The sense of impending doom is not something you treat. You address the problem that is probably causing it. For example, you may receive treatment with psychotherapy or medication if anxiety, panic disorder, or depression are the primary reason. Moreover, your healthcare physician may recommend real-time techniques like mindfulness exercises, grounding, or breathing exercises. These methods aid in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms, or “doom and gloom.”
The following are some strategies for coping with the pervasive sense of approaching doom on your own.
- Daily
breathing exercises [3*] can both help avoid impending doom and aid in managing them if they occur. - Regular
exercise [4*] , especially aerobic exercise, will enhance your mood, raise your confidence, and help you manage your stress levels. Eating healthy [5*] at regular intervals will help keep your blood sugar levels stable.- Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking should all be avoided, as these can exacerbate anxiety.
- The guidance offered by anxiety support groups can help control your attacks. It can be comforting to realize that other individuals feel the same way. Your doctor can connect you with organizations in your community.
Bottom Line
Anxiety and panic disorder symptoms are linked to a sense of impending doom. Physical health concerns, like life-threatening allergic responses or heart attacks, can be related to it as well. Listen to your body and seek help if you feel like something bad is about to happen. MEDvidi doctors are here to support you and offer a personalized treatment plan.
