Tips for Panic Attacks
Panic and anxiety attacks are related to the brain’s hyper-reaction to stressful situations or thoughts. They include such symptoms as: racing heart, shaking, perspiring, feeling dizzy, feeling short of breath, hot flashes, and tightness in the chest.
These are also symptoms for a multitude of other serious ailments unrelated to panic and anxiety disorders, therefore it is very important to see your doctor if you think you have a panic and anxiety disorder. Panic and anxiety attacks are related, but do not necessarily happen concurrently.
The three main types of panic attacks include: spontaneous, specific, and situational predisposed panic attacks. The first can happen anytime, anywhere, from eating to sleeping to walking the dog. The second type happens in familiar stressful situations or when related to a previous anxiety attack. The third refers to having an attack only in certain specific places or situations, such as at the car wash, or in the grocery store.
There are many treatments and tips for panic attacks that range from simple distraction to prescribed medication. When considering medication, be sure to weigh the benefits against the possible side effects.
Reducing panic as soon as it starts can stop a panic attack all together, because you’re interrupting your physical reaction to the emotion, which reduces the level of adrenalin produced, which in turn decreases your anxiety. Here are some simple tips for panic attacks:
1.Being light-hearted with yourself and your view of the world will present fewer stressful situations.
2.As soon as you feel stressed out, think of a silly word, image, or story (the funnier the better). The distraction will help diffuse the anxiety.
3.Immediately get up do something different like going for walk. A quick change of scenery can help to distract you.
4.Concentrate on your breathing – slow and deep breaths.
5.Afterwards, jot down what you were thinking about so you can learn how your mind works and what happens during your panic attacks. This will help you be able to anticipate things give you a much better chance of overcoming panic attacks.
6.Get out and exercise more often and eat well. Stay away from stimulants such as coffee and alcohol as much as possible, which negatively affect your emotions.
Good luck and good health!
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