Panic Attack

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14 May 2022

Recently, the word “panic attack” has become extremely popular, with a large percentage of people claiming to suffer from this condition. Other conditions that need separate reading are often misnamed.

In fact, this condition is quite serious and can not be underestimated, neglected or artificially manifested. The truth is that according to statistics, 35% of older people get one or more panic attacks a year. Stars such as Miley Cyrus, Emma Stone, Kristen Stewart, Nicole Kidman and Keira Knightley have spoken openly about their problem with panic attacks, revealing that sharing is one way to heal.

What is a panic attack?

The word “panic” comes from the name of the ancient Greek god Pan, who liked to joke with people, scaring them.

A panic attack is a sudden strong feeling of fear that activates the body’s defense mechanisms and stuns the mind. The heart rate is fast, breathing is difficult and a person thinks he is going to die or go crazy. Panic attacks sometimes occur without a clear cause, they can even occur in a state of relaxation or before and during sleep.

A person may suffer a panic attack once, but in most cases the attacks recur.

Recurrent panic attacks are usually due to a specific cause, such as crossing a bridge, talking in a public place, flying an airplane. If a situation has once caused the phenomenon, it is very likely to cause it again.

Prerequisites for panic are situations in which a person feels threatened, closed, unable to escape, and other potential dangers and incentives of the “fight or flight” mechanism.

Panic attacks can occur in people who suffer from diseases such as depression, social phobia and others, as well as in completely healthy individuals who have a healthy and happy life.

Symptoms of a panic attack

The most common symptoms include: shortness of breath and shortness of breath or hyperventilation; cardiac arrhythmia or very fast pulse; chest pain and heaviness; trembling; suffocation sensation; a sense of alienation from the world and the body; sweating; nausea or upset stomach; dizziness; numbness; hot or cold waves; irrational fear of heart attack, death, lack of control or going crazy.

Heart attack or panic attack

Most symptoms of a panic attack are physical, and many times these symptoms are so severe that one may think he or she is having a heart attack. In fact, this is a common problem. Many people often go to the emergency room or call an ambulance in a panic attack, thinking they are in a life-threatening condition.

It is good to be aware of one’s health in order to be able to rule out diseases with symptoms similar to a panic attack. Most often, panic is the cause of these symptoms, which in its irrational state, a person considers the symptoms of a more terrible disease.

Panic disorder

While many people experience a panic attack once or twice in their lives without further complications, others develop panic disorder. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks combined with behavioral problems, prolonged anxiety, and fear of other panic attacks.

A person can suffer from panic disorder if: he experiences frequent unexpected panic attacks that are not related to a specific cause; anxious about other panic attacks; changes his social habits so as not to provoke a new panic attack in any way, avoiding social places and events.

While a single panic attack can last several minutes, the effects of this chronic condition can leave a lasting imprint on a person’s mind. In panic disorder, the persistence of panic attacks can significantly affect mental and physical health. The memory of intense fear can seriously affect self-esteem and lead to problems in everyday life, such as coping with daily tasks.

Complications of panic disorder

The accumulation of these problems can lead to the following symptoms of panic disorder:

Anxiety – instead of feeling calm and balanced, a person is constantly waiting for a new panic attack. This fear of panic attack is present in a person’s mind most of the time, which interferes with his normal functioning.

Phobic avoidance – a person begins to avoid specific situations or situations. This behavior is due to the fear of a panic attack, as in the same circumstances it has occurred before. On the other hand, one can avoid enclosed spaces that are difficult to get out of, or situations in which one is alone and there is no one to help. The extremes of these fears are called agoraphobia.

Panic disorder and agoraphobia

The name “agoraphobia” comes from ancient Greek, meaning “square” and “fear”. Agoraphobia was originally thought to be a fear of public and open places. Many scientists now believe that agoraphobia develops as a complication of panic attacks and panic disorder. Although it can develop at any time, agoraphobia most often occurs within a year of the first panic attack.

Sufferers of agoraphobia avoid places that are difficult or embarrassing to leave. The fear of a panic attack makes a person avoid situations such as: busy places (shopping malls or gyms and events); cars, planes, subways and other means of transport; social gatherings, restaurants; exercise (if they cause panic attacks); specific foods and beverages – such as alcohol, caffeine, sugar; solo trips without company.

In the most severe cases, one feels safe only at home.

Causes of panic attacks and panic disorder

Although the exact causes of panic attacks are unclear, they tend to be more common in the family.

There seems to be a link between the onset of a panic attack and significant life changes such as: graduating from university and entering a work environment; marriage; birth of a child. Severe stress such as the death of a loved one, divorce or job loss are also common causes of panic attacks.

Panic attacks can also be caused by illness or physical circumstances. In case of anxiety and panic, it is advisable to visit a doctor to rule out any of the following conditions: mitral valve prolapse – a heart problem that occurs when one of the heart valves does not close properly; hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland); hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar); use of stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine); abstinence from drugs or narcotics.

Panic attack and hormonal balance in women

Very often conditions with identical symptoms occur during the menstrual cycle, during premenopause and especially at the onset of true menopause. The cause of these crises is hormonal. When the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are also responsible for the elasticity of blood vessels, have lower levels, this immediately reflects on blood circulation, blood pressure: it rises, there is shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, fast heart rate and, accordingly. – fear. If low progesterone levels are accompanied by elevated levels of stress hormones – adrenaline and cortisone, then the picture gets even brighter colors.

And if techniques such as deep abdominal breathing are not as effective during panic attacks, it is most likely such hormonal crises.

A guide to self-help in a panic attack

No matter how powerless a person feels about his panic attacks, it is important to know that there are many things that can be done and helped.

The following self-help techniques can help significantly in overcoming a panic attack:

Informing about panic and anxiety

Informing about these problems can greatly help to raise awareness and calm down. Reading about stress, anxiety, panic disorder and the “fight or flight” reaction can help many people realize that these are normal reactions of the body and a person will not die or go crazy in a panic attack.

Avoid stimulants or depressants (smoking, alcohol, caffeine)

All of these substances can cause a panic attack in people who are predisposed to the condition. It is advisable to stop, and if not, at least to limit yourself significantly. One should also be careful with drugs that contain stimulants such as diet pills.

Breathing control

Hyperventilation (rapid intense breathing) leads to many sensations such as dizziness and tightness in the chest, which occurs during a panic attack. It is these processes that make it difficult to control thought and activate the processes in the body that signal danger and further intensify negative feelings.

Breathing

There is no way to emphasize enough how important breathing is in a panic attack. Deep abdominal breathing can significantly calm and even stop a panic attack. Breathing control can calm a person when they are anxious and prevent the unpleasant sensations that occur during a panic attack.

An effective breathing technique is: inhaling air by inflating the abdomen (inhaling air should be very slow and light, without any tension). Exhalation should be even slower and light and accompanied by relaxation of the chest and whole body. The left hand can be placed on the chest and the right on the abdomen. The right hand makes sure that breathing takes place through the abdomen, and the left hand makes sure that the chest does not participate.

The thought should focus only on breathing and bloating and relaxing the abdomen.

Relaxation techniques

When activities such as yoga, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation are often practiced, the body’s ability to cope with stress and panic increases significantly. One always knows, even on a subconscious level, how to activate relaxation and calming mechanisms. Not only do these techniques increase the ability to relax, they lead to satisfaction and balance.

Sharing

Talking face to face with a loved one is very important. Symptoms of anxiety and panic may worsen if a person feels isolated. It is important to communicate and share regularly with your loved ones. In the absence of acquaintances or relatives, there are many ways to find new acquaintances and support groups.

Sports

Physical activity is a natural method of reducing stress and anxiety. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day (can be divided into three series of 10 minutes) is enough. Rhythmic aerobic exercises that require simultaneous movement of the arms and legs, such as walking, running, swimming or dancing, are extremely effective.

In the absence of time, a number of useful and interesting exercises can be found online, although the social aspect of sports is also important and can bring additional benefits to dealing with panic attacks.

A dream

Lack of good and quality sleep significantly impairs the body’s ability to cope with stress and increases the risk of anxiety and panic. It is recommended to get between seven and nine hours of quality sleep a day.

Treatments for panic attacks and panic disorder

The most effective way to deal with a panic attack is occupational therapy. Even a few sessions in the short term can be extremely useful.

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on patterns of thinking and behavior that support or trigger panic attacks. In this type of therapy, the fear is dissected and viewed in an objective light. For example – when you are afraid of driving, what is the worst thing that can happen? As a last resort, it may be necessary to turn aside until the person calms down, but the chances of an accident or heart attack are negligible. When a person realizes that his fears are not rational and that the situation is not so terrible at all, then the feeling of panic decreases significantly.

Another approach is to face the problem and overcome it. The psychologist or the specialist who conducts the therapy can cause a panic attack in a person so that he can feel it in a controlled environment. This could happen through hyperventilation, shaking of the head and other physical actions that trigger the body’s panic attack mechanisms. Causing a panic attack in a controlled environment makes a person get used to the sensation and realize that he has control over his body and panic, respectively.

With agoraphobia, it is possible for the therapist to put the patient in frightening situations so that they realize that they are not so scary. At some point, one begins to understand this fact and regain control of one’s emotions.

Medicines for panic attacks and panic disorder

Medications can be used to temporarily control or reduce the symptoms of a panic attack. However, they are not doing any work to solve the problem itself.

Medications can be useful in very acute conditions, but they should not be the only treatment. Medications are most effective in combination with other therapies, life changes and habits that address the problems that cause panic attacks.

Medications may include:

Antidepressants – it can take weeks before they start working. Therefore, their reception is long (this is not just about panic attacks).

Benzodiazepines are anti-stress drugs that quickly relieve symptoms. These drugs are addictive and stopping them can lead to abstinence – so great care should be taken when taking and prescribing them.

Phytotherapy

Unlike traditional medicines, there is a range of natural products with a mild effect that can help significantly without leading to addiction or other side effects of antidepressants or benzodiazepines. A number of clinical studies have proven the positive effect of lavender on anxiety, mild depression and a number of other mental health problems.

Lemon balm is also a well-studied herb that is used for problems such as panic attacks. Ashwagandha helps the body by protecting it from the negative effects caused by stress. It helps the body adapt to stressful situations and changes in the environment. The herb has a thousand-year history in Indian Ayurvedic medicine.

How to help a person in a panic attack

When a loved one or relative is in a panic attack, it can be frightening. Symptoms include: rapid and shallow breathing, dizziness, sweating, and victims may fear having a heart attack or going crazy.

No matter how irrational their fear may seem, it is important to remember that the danger seems real to them. It is important to approach this point carefully, because overcoming this panic attack can help them significantly in future disputes with this situation.

In the first place, one must remain calm and not condemn or disdain the panic attack sufferer. The sufferer’s attention should then be drawn to breathing. You can find a quiet, suitable place to apply the technique of slow and deep breathing for a few minutes. Physical movement such as moving the legs and arms can also be added. This helps to shake off stress. Turning attention in another direction is also very useful. One should try to direct the sufferer to another topic, not his anxious thoughts, for example – to ask him to list five things that surround him, or to pick up a favorite topic.

It is important to encourage the sufferer to seek help both professionally and to share with their loved ones and to apply sedation techniques. He must be supported in his path to overcoming fear.

Conclusion

Panic attacks are a state of fear, most often with an irrational cause, as the sufferer has symptoms of rapid pulse, rapid shallow breathing, chest tightness and possible sweating, dizziness and other characteristic of the condition “fight or flight” processes in the body. At this point, a person feels as if he is going to die or go crazy, which further increases his fear and, consequently, his physical reaction.

The onset of a panic attack is a very shocking experience that can change a person’s psyche. Often a panic attack occurs many times, which can lead to changes in social behavior. The fear of repeating a panic attack can cause social distancing, avoiding stressful situations and other problems that can lead to panic disorder.

One of the extreme forms of this condition is agoraphobia, in which one avoids public spaces, social gatherings and other elements of normal life, which in principle arouse happiness, not fear.

The cause of panic attacks is not entirely clear, but there is definitely a predisposition in the family history of this condition.

Causes of a panic attack can be: a new stage in life (graduating from high school or university), loss of a loved one, accumulation of stress. Physical factors such as heart disease or other body systems can also be the cause.

Dealing with panic attacks

The approach to dealing with panic attacks is complex, but, unfortunately, many professionals are quick to prescribe medication. Medications only affect the symptoms and in most cases have a number of unpleasant side effects. It is recommended to prescribe only in extremely difficult situations.

The right approach to overcoming panic attacks involves a complete change of life. It is advisable to avoid substances such as stimulants (caffeine, cocaine, amphetamine) and depressants (alcohol). Both regular exercise and techniques for concentrated relaxation and coping with stress are recommended. One of the most effective methods is to consult a specialist (usually a psychologist) to help deal with the problems that cause this condition.

In a panic attack, one of the most important things that can be done is slow and deep abdominal breathing with slow inhalation and even slower exhalation.

In these moments, it is important to share with relatives, support and optimism to deal with the problem.

Why do cats have the strange behavior? Explanation…

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Gaston de Persigny

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14 May 2022

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Having a pet cat can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The cat is a friend waiting for you at home. Additionally, owning a cat has health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety. There are indeed many facts that we don’t know about cats and their behavior; thanks to scientists we learn more about these facts.

Here are some of the strangest cat behaviors along with their scientific explanations. If you have one or more cats at home, discover them without delay. You’ll never look at your favorite pet the same way again.

When he butts you while rubbing you

Cats often bang their forehead against their owner’s face, legs, or forehead. When they do this, they don’t try to fight. According to experts, cats do this to say hello to their favorite humans.

A cat that acts like this trusts you and feels safe in your company. When cats rub against something or a person, they transfer pheromones to the individual or object to mark it as a trusted territory. Experts call this behavior: the Sparrow. From now on, be proud of the way you raise your cat if he often exhibits this behavior.

The dessert for the platinum anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II

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Gaston de Persigny

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14 May 2022

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One of the most famous chefs in the world – Mary Berry, has chosen the official dessert for the platinum anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II, the BBC reported.

It is a lemon cream, with amaretti biscuits and a Swiss roll, prepared by Gemma Melvin. After a contested competition and tasting, the famous TV presenter and chef Mary Berry described him as “absolutely great”.

Gemma Melvin made the pudding after being inspired by a lemon dessert served at the future queen’s wedding to Prince Philip in 1947.

The cake is in several layers with lemon curd, egg cream, jelly, tangerine juice, whipped cream, amaretti biscuits, chocolate and Swiss roll.

The dessert will be part of the special platinum anniversary menu of Elizabeth II, which also includes “Chicken for the Coronation” – spread chicken in a creamy curry sauce, and mushrooms “Victoria”, filled with butter cream and raspberry jam.

Approximately 5,000 people, aged 8 to 108, took part in the national competition for a new dessert in honor of the 70th anniversary of Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne.

The competition required a dessert with a memorable history, but also suitable for the taste of the 96-year-old queen.

Another important condition was the opportunity to prepare the pudding at home and to attend the street celebrations planned across the country in June.

Gemma Melvin commented after her victory that her creation pays homage to three important women – her grandmothers and the queen.

“I can’t believe this modest dessert won. It’s surreal. I wanted it to be ‘folk pudding’, not just for the queen, but for everyone else,” she added.

Fifty years ago, Romas Calanta became the burning herald of freedom against Moscow’s oppression

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Newsdesk

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14 May 2022

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On May 14, 1972, a 19-year-old high school student set himself on fire in the center of the Lithuanian city of Kaunas in protest of the Soviet occupation.

Don’t blame anyone for my death. I knew that sooner or later I had to do it. I hate the socialist system. I am useless. What is it for me to live? To kill this system? I better kill myself … there will never be freedom here. They forbade even this word … “freedom” …

These are the last words in the diary of a 19-year-old young man from Lithuania, left by the fountain on the Alley of Freedom in the center of the Lithuanian city of Kaunas. Meters away, Romas Calanta’s severely burned body writhes in agony.

The dark-eyed and black-haired high school student poured 3 liters of gasoline and scratched his stick, shouting “Freedom for Lithuania”. The year is 1972, and the date is May 14. Opposite, the windows of the building housing the Soviet authorities in Kaunas are tightly closed. There are many people near the fountain of the Musical Theater. This is a favorite meeting place for young people in the city. Seeing the living torch, many of them rush to help. Romas was taken to the city hospital, but with 90 percent burns. 14 hours later, in the early morning of May 15, the young man died.

Romas

On February 22, 1953, Adolfas and Elena Calanta became the parents of a boy. Romas was born in the city of Alytus in southern Lithuania. Father Adolfas is a World War II veteran, communist and supporter of the Soviet regime. However, the mother Elena is a believing woman and raises her son in the spirit of Catholicism. In 1963, the family moved to Kaunas, where Romas attended high school. The awake young man impresses his peers – he reads a lot, writes poetry, plays the guitar and loves to paint.

However, in 1971, Romas Calanta’s participation in a historical seminar criticizing Marxism led to his expulsion from the Communist Youth Union and from school. Thus, Romas fails to finish with his peers and get a high school diploma. This forced the 18-year-old boy to enroll in evening high school and start working in a local factory.

“Long live independent Lithuania”

Romas’ funeral is scheduled for May 18, 1972. However, KGB agents in Kaunas forced his parents to say goodbye to their son two hours before the scheduled time for worship. They also forbade the family to place a tombstone.

Their actions provoked outrage among hundreds of young people who failed to attend the funeral. Anger drew thousands of protesters to the streets of Kaunas and neighboring towns and villages to protest against Soviet rule. On May 18 and 19, Kaunas resounds with the chants “Freedom for Lithuania!”, “Long live independent Lithuania!” and “Long live May 18!”.

The regime is sending 7,000 police officers to the Lithuanian city to crack down on the riot. Hundreds were detained, and dozens were convicted and jailed for hooliganism.

In his report to Moscow, the first secretary of the Lithuanian Communist Party, Antanas Sniečkus, tried to convince the leadership that what was happening was a minor manifestation of local hooligans. In support of his claims, the entire communist apparatus in Kaunas was harnessed.

A statement from the prosecutor’s office was published in the local press on May 20 and 21: “Regarding the suicide committed on May 14 in front of the Kaunas Musical Theater, the city prosecutor’s office said the accident was being investigated. forensic and forensic psychiatric “.

A month later, a specially formed psychiatric commission announced that based on the letters, pictures and diary entries in Romas Calanta’s diary, as well as interviews with his parents, teachers and friends, they concluded that the young man suffered from a mental illness – schizophrenia. . Proof of this was his suicide in a strange way, as well as the fact that Romas had long hair and in a school essay claimed that Lithuania would one day be free.

Kalanta was declared an enemy of the people, but in the same month a metal cross was erected on the road near Kaunas with the inscription “Romas Kalanta, who sacrifices himself for Lithuania”. A report from the KGB department in Vilnius from the end of 1972 testified that in the months after the death of the 19-year-old, 12 more people set themselves on fire in protest against the Soviet government in Lithuania.

To this day, the sacrifice of Romas Kalanta is not forgotten and he is considered a national hero in Lithuania. In 1989, a new special commission of psychiatrists categorically rejected the conclusions of the previous one and declared that the young man from Kaunas was absolutely healthy and had sacrificed his life with a clear conscience.

On July 4, 2000, Romas Kalanta was posthumously awarded by the Lithuanian President, and two years later the Seimas declared May 14 the Day of Civil Resistance in memory of the “burning herald of freedom”.

Photo: Museum of Exile and Resistance, Kaunas, Lithuania

Swiss authorities unfreeze part of Russian assets

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Newsdesk

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14 May 2022

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Erwin Bollinger, a spokesman for the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, said that the country’s authorities had withdrawn $3.4 billion of Russian assets that had previously been frozen as a preventive measure from restrictions, Reuters reports.

“We cannot freeze funds if we do not have sufficient grounds. Funds must be released unless there is evidence that the assets are directly owned or controlled by the person under sanctions,” he said.

It is noted that the volume of Russian assets currently frozen by Switzerland is about $6.3 billion.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the initiative of the head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell to transfer blocked Russian assets to the Ukrainian authorities “theft”. “Theft, which they don’t even try to hide,” RIA Novosti quotes him as saying.

During a press conference following his visit to Algeria, Sergei Lavrov said that the European Union is under the influence of the United States and “practically does not have its own foreign policy.” Therefore, the minister did not rule out, soon “the position of the chief diplomat of the European Union will be liquidated.”

Recall that earlier Josep Borrell advocated the idea of withdrawing Russia’s frozen reserves in favor of Ukraine.

Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Grushko, in turn, called the proposal of the head of European diplomacy on the transfer of Russian reserves for the restoration of Ukraine “lawlessness”. Grushko said that this EU initiative undermines confidence in Europe.

All submarines of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the open sea

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News desk

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14 May 2022

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All active submarines of the Russian Black Sea Fleet have gone to sea, from which the Russian Federation can launch missiles at Ukraine.

Details: On the afternoon of May 13, in the South Bay of Sevastopol, the berths where submarines usually dock were empty.

In total, the Black Sea Fleet of Russia has six submarines of the Varshavyanka project: B-261 Novorossiysk, B-237 Rostov-on-Don, B-262 Stary Oskol, B-265 Krasnodar, B-268 ” Veliky Novgorod” and B-271 “Kolpino”.

Project 636 Varshavyanka submarines (according to NATO codification – Improved Kilo) – a type of multi-purpose diesel-electric submarines. Range – up to 7500 miles. Autonomy is 45 days. Crew – 52 people, including 12 officers.

In addition to mine-torpedo armament, Varshavyanka-class submarines carry Kalibr-type cruise missiles, which are used in various modifications against sea and land targets. Each submarine is armed with four such missiles.

Russia is launching missile strikes on Ukraine from its submarines, Andrey Ryzhenko, an expert at the Center for Defense Strategies, captain of the 1st rank of the reserve of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said earlier.

The Black Sea Fleet also includes the Project 877 Halibut B-871 Alrosa submarine, but since May 2019 it has been under repair at the 13th shipyard in Kilen Bay. “Alrosa” is allegedly preparing to enter sea trials after repairs.

Meanwhile, a large landing ship of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, damaged in Berdyansk, stood up for repairs in Sevastopol. According to Krym Realiya, the port side of the ship is damaged, large dents are visible, gray paint is missing in some places, in its place there are large red spots – this is the color of the primer, which is applied before painting.

Source: Krym.Realii (Radio Liberty project)

The only Friday the 13th for 2022: superstitions and events that happened on the fatal date

By

Gaston de Persigny

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14 May 2022

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Do you suffer from paraskavedecatriaphobia or

Do you suffer from paraskavedecatriaphobia or frigategriscaidecaphobia?

Today is Friday the 13th – a date often associated with bad luck. During the day, millions of superstitious people avoid meeting black cats, stay away from mirrors for fear of breaking them, and eat tasteless dishes, worried that they may spill the salt. Others refuse to drive or board a plane. For people who associate day and date with misery and bad luck, it will probably be somewhat comforting that today is the only Friday the 13th for 2022.

There is at least one Friday the 13th of each calendar year. For the last time, the day and date coincided only once last year. The next “lonely” Friday the 13th will be in June 2025.

In the next two years we will have two Fridays on the 13th – in January and October 2023 and September and December 2024.

In some years, to the horror of superstitious people, there are three Friday the 13th. The last time such a coincidence was observed was in 2015. Three Fridays on the 13th – in February, March and November, will come to us again in 2026.

The “fatal” date may raise fears among superstitious people, but some important events have taken place.

January 13 marks the patron saint’s day of St. Mungo, patron and supposed founder of the Scottish city of Glasgow, who died on that date in 614.

On this date in 888 the Frankish emperor Charles the Fat died, and in 1128 Pope Honorius II issued a decree declaring the Knights Templar to be God’s army.

On January 13, 1404, the ruler of England, King Henry IV, signed a law forbidding alchemists from converting base metals to gold, and just over 200 years later, on January 13, 1610, Galileo Galilei discovered Callisto, the fourth companion. of Jupiter.

On this date, in 1854, Anthony Faas of Philadelphia patented the accordion, and in 1942, Henry Ford patented the world’s first plastic car, known as the Soy Car.

On January 13, 1929, the famous Sheriff Wyatt Earp died at the age of 80.

According to the calendar of the TV show “Sesame Street” from 1973, January 13 is the birthday of the Rubber Duck. This date in the United States marks the Day of the popular rubber toy.

There is a term for the fear of Friday the 13th – paraskavedekatriaphobia or frigateriskaidekaphobia. A study conducted in the UK shows that 30 percent of the island’s population suffers from this phobia. About 43 percent of respondents identify as superstitious. Some people go so far as to change their plans for the day so that they do not have to leave their homes and eventually have misfortune.

The fear of the number 13, which plagues an impressive 70 percent of Britons, is known as triscaidecaphobia. According to a survey, 72 percent of the island’s residents have experienced bad luck on the “fatal” date. But is it all a figment of their imagination? Judging by some facts, people have reason to fear, because on this date some terrible events have happened or are about to happen.

In August 2010, a 13-year-old boy was struck by lightning in Suffolk, UK. Unbelievable as it may sound, it happened at 13 hours and 13 minutes. Fortunately, the boy escaped with only minor burns.

In a 1993 publication entitled “Is Friday the 13th Harmful to Health?”, Researchers analyzed road accidents and hospital admissions on that date compared to other Fridays. The analysis shows that although fewer people are behind the wheel on Friday the 13th, hospital admissions have increased by 52 percent.

The most sinister plane crash, recorded on Friday the 13th, occurred in October 1972, when a plane crashed in the Andes. Twelve people died on the spot, others died in an avalanche. Before being helped 72 days later, the survivors were forced to eat corpses. The incident was turned into the movie “Alive”.

The end of the world is expected on this date. According to forecasts, on Friday the 13th in 2029, the asteroid 99942 Apophis with a diameter of 320 meters will pass dangerously close to Earth. According to NASA scientists, it is large enough to survive passing through Earth’s atmosphere. If it lands, the asteroid could devastate a Texas-sized region. If it falls into the ocean, it could cause a tsunami.

Friday the 13th is indeed a day of bad luck for drivers, according to traffic statistics. An analysis of the six Fridays of the 13th, which occurred between 2002 and 2006, conducted by the Norwich Union insurance company, shows that claims for compensation on that day were 13 percent higher than on other days.

During World War II in September 1940, on the 13th, the Nazis bombed Buckingham Palace.

On November 13, 1970, a cyclone claimed the lives of 500,000 people in Bangladesh in one of the most catastrophic natural disasters humanity has ever witnessed.

In 2012, on this date, the cruise ship Costa Concordia partially sank. More than 30 people died.

The cash loss every Friday the 13th is estimated at about $ 900 million, as many people are afraid to work and travel on that date.

One of the most famous and brutal murders in New York takes place on this date. On Friday the 13th of March 1964, bar manager Kitty Genovese was attacked, mistreated and raped by an unknown maniac, later identified as Winston Moseley. According to a New York Times publication, 38 people witnessed the attack, but no one called police. The tragic case lies in psychology courses as an illustration of the “bystander effect” or “Kitty Genovese syndrome”, when people do not react in a situation, assuming that someone else will.

More murders are committed on this date. One of the most famous of these is the murder of 25-year-old prostitute Francis Coles on February 13, 1891, who became the last victim of Jack the Ripper.

Friday, September 13, 1996, is a black day for hip-hop – rapper Tupac Shakur died at a hospital in Los Angeles from injuries sustained in a shooting on September 7.

The “fatal” date has not only a scary but also a curious aspect.

It is not clear when and why Friday the 13th is associated with bad luck. The association may be biblical – 13 are guests of the Last Supper when Jesus was betrayed. He was crucified the next day – Friday.

Whatever the reason, the fear of Friday the 13th is very common. That’s why hotels and hospitals often skip the 13th floor, and airports skip the 13th exit.

If you’re worried it’s Friday the 13th, be glad you’re not a 14th century Knight Templar. On October 13, 1307, officers of King Philip IV of France raided the homes of thousands of Templars and arrested them on charges of illegal activity. Although the allegations have not been proven, many are dying from brutal torture.

Psychological thriller director Alfred Hitchcock was born on Friday the 13th. Fidel Castro was also born on Friday the 13th in August 1926.

Why are the superstitions about Friday the 13th so deeply ingrained in our country? According to Thomas Gilovic, dean of the Department of Psychology at Cornell University, our brains are too good at associations.

For the Gentiles, 13 is a lucky number corresponding to the number of full moons in a year.

President Franklin Roosevelt did not travel on Friday the 13th, nor did he give dinners for 13 people. Napoleon and President Herbert Hoover also suffered from a painful fear of the number 13.

Mark Twain was once the 13th invited to dinner. A friend warned him not to go. “It was really bad luck,” the writer later told him. “They only had food for 12 people.” In France, if there are 13 guests, it is customary to invite 14, and sometimes even resort to a professional.

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