Panic attacks can be frightening, but there are many ways to help someone deal with them. Many people feel a panic attack comes on suddenly and without warning, and they don’t know what’s causing it. Other people have never experienced one before but still find themselves having difficulty with one in the middle of an important meeting or a physical exercise routine.
Not all people will experience panic attacks in the same way. Some sufferers do not suffer from a full-blown attack, while others find themselves feeling physically ill as soon as the anxiety sets in. A few people experience brief bouts of anxiety that are likely to be followed by a natural anxiety attack. Others may only experience frequent attacks but not have any kind of full-blown panic episode.
Panic attacks can occur at any age, but they are more common among those who are under stress, alcohol or drug abuse, and other forms of anxiety disorders. People who have had their first panic attack often find that they have difficulty with them in later life. Studies have shown that people who have had more than five panic attacks are more likely to have bouts of severe anxiety or panic disorder that are more severe and may last for days.
Panic attacks begin gradually, and usually only last thirty minutes or so. People who suffer from panic attacks may experience feelings of extreme fear, chest pains, nausea, and shortness of breath. There is also a feeling of impending doom, which most people associate with a heart attack.
They can be frightening and extremely upsetting for the person experiencing them and are a strong emotional reaction to a perceived threat. When you are anxious, your body releases stress hormones that affect your blood pressure, breathing rate, and level of alertness. Because of these changes, an anxiety attack can cause you to feel like you’re going to die or have a heart attack.
While some people respond to these episodes with a sudden bout of depression, others find relief in a number of ways. Counseling can help you deal with panic attacks in a less-stressful way. A variety of self-help techniques, such as relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, and visualization, can help you deal with anxiety attacks. A therapist can help you identify what specific things trigger your attacks and can work with you to practice methods that will help you cope with them.
Research has shown that people who can learn to control their breathing when they are experiencing panic attacks tend to control them much better than those who cannot calm their breathing down enough to prevent an attack. These methods are called to stop and breathe breathing exercises. This is a great way to get relief for panic attacks because it helps you realize that you aren’t going to die, and will, therefore, be able to reduce the impact on your life.
Another method for dealing with panic attacks is to take a good long look at the things that might trigger the attack. For example, smoking can contribute to some people’s panic attacks. You can stop smoking and deal with the attack in other ways.
Other things you may notice can be bad smells, bright lights, and a variety of other things that you don’t want to react to. The idea is to be able to look at the triggers and figure out what could make you feel anxious, and work to avoid them.
If you are able to identify the source of your panic attacks, you may be able to prevent them altogether. If you notice that your work or social life is interfering with your ability to relax, for example, you may want to look into getting some therapy or another hobby. You may find that it is best to stay away from certain people or situations if your anxiety becomes too overwhelming.
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating, especially for those who suffer from them on a daily basis. It is possible to control your attacks and find relief from them. Talk to your doctor about your concerns, and see what options you have to reduce or eliminate your symptoms.
