Panic attacks can be embarrassing, debilitating or even life threatening.
Often having no way of knowing how to handle panic attacks cause many more people to suffer than one would think.
It is a condition that can occur during a business meeting, a simple elevator ride or even watching your child perform in a school play.
People have reported wanting to scream for help, bolt out of a room, curl up into a fetal position or even commit suicide during an attack.
This article will explore different ways one can approach and hopefully limit or even end these awful episodes by applying simple techniques.
Pounding heart palpitations, profuse sweating, trouble breathing, dizziness and a feeling of complete loss of control are some of the symptoms associated with these events that can last up to several minutes.
Understanding your body and your overall health are important first steps to recovery.
If these events occur repeatedly it is best to visit your doctor to assess any physical or mental condition that may be the cause.
Some of these may include mitral valve prolapse (a condition in the heart which compromises the oxygen to the brain), schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder or even insomnia.
Choices containing such stimulants as caffeine, nicotine and sugar can also trigger an event.
Drug abuse of cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and other amphetamines also have been know as underlying causes of panic attacks.
The best way to stop a panic attack is to breathe and visualize.
Concentrate intently on your breath.
The proper way to breathe is to inhale through your nose and exhale out of your mouth, slowly.
Breathing too fast and deep can cause hyperventilation which in turn can make you pass out.
If your breathing remains too rapid, breathing into a paper bag (for a short period of about a minute) will help stabilize the body.
Once you can get a few breathes in your nose and out your mouth begin to visualize.
Have a favorite spot picked out in your mind.
This can be real or imagined; a beach, a wooded path, your bed, anywhere.
Once you have your place visualize all the specifics while at the same time continuing to slowly breath.
Once in this position begin an inner dialogue.
Your inner dialogue is talking (inside your head) to first acknowledge that you're having a panic attack and that there is nothing else happening to you.
Tell yourself that your racing heart, sweating palms and tight chest are all a result of the adrenaline that is coursing through your system.
Remind yourself that you are in complete control and that there is absolutely nothing to fear.
In conclusion, how to handle panic attacks by using some of the methods discussed above is your best bet for maintenance and/or recovery.
Trying to mask or even hide your symptoms will only escalate the anxiety that accompanies each attack causing more distress to your mind and body.
Often having no way of knowing how to handle panic attacks cause many more people to suffer than one would think.
It is a condition that can occur during a business meeting, a simple elevator ride or even watching your child perform in a school play.
People have reported wanting to scream for help, bolt out of a room, curl up into a fetal position or even commit suicide during an attack.
This article will explore different ways one can approach and hopefully limit or even end these awful episodes by applying simple techniques.
Pounding heart palpitations, profuse sweating, trouble breathing, dizziness and a feeling of complete loss of control are some of the symptoms associated with these events that can last up to several minutes.
Understanding your body and your overall health are important first steps to recovery.
If these events occur repeatedly it is best to visit your doctor to assess any physical or mental condition that may be the cause.
Some of these may include mitral valve prolapse (a condition in the heart which compromises the oxygen to the brain), schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder or even insomnia.
Choices containing such stimulants as caffeine, nicotine and sugar can also trigger an event.
Drug abuse of cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and other amphetamines also have been know as underlying causes of panic attacks.
The best way to stop a panic attack is to breathe and visualize.
Concentrate intently on your breath.
The proper way to breathe is to inhale through your nose and exhale out of your mouth, slowly.
Breathing too fast and deep can cause hyperventilation which in turn can make you pass out.
If your breathing remains too rapid, breathing into a paper bag (for a short period of about a minute) will help stabilize the body.
Once you can get a few breathes in your nose and out your mouth begin to visualize.
Have a favorite spot picked out in your mind.
This can be real or imagined; a beach, a wooded path, your bed, anywhere.
Once you have your place visualize all the specifics while at the same time continuing to slowly breath.
Once in this position begin an inner dialogue.
Your inner dialogue is talking (inside your head) to first acknowledge that you're having a panic attack and that there is nothing else happening to you.
Tell yourself that your racing heart, sweating palms and tight chest are all a result of the adrenaline that is coursing through your system.
Remind yourself that you are in complete control and that there is absolutely nothing to fear.
In conclusion, how to handle panic attacks by using some of the methods discussed above is your best bet for maintenance and/or recovery.
Trying to mask or even hide your symptoms will only escalate the anxiety that accompanies each attack causing more distress to your mind and body.