Ways To Stop Panic Attacks

By Helen Wilson

Are you trapped in the fear of not knowing when a panic attack may come? Do you avoid certain places or activites because you think they might bring on an attack? Do you want to learn how to stop panic attacks? There is a way to break the cycle of the fear of panic attack.

The worst thing about panic attacks is that they can come from out of the blue. You can be getting dressed, eating a meal, driving or even sleeping when a panic attack comes on. It's hard to imagine the terror of waking up from a deep sleep into a panic attack. A panic attack may start with a feeling of impending doom and dread. Then you have full blow terror, a fast heartbeat, nausea, and sometimes a feeling of not truly being yourself.

Normal panic attacks last about 10 to 20 minutes, but some can last as long as a few hours. Even though the panic attack is relatively short, it takes a while for your body to get back to normal. Many first timers think they are having a heart attack and go to the emergency room. After being seen, they find out that the problem was only in their mind. While you're in the midst of a panic attack, it seems untrue that you cannot die from a panic attack.

Because no one knows for sure what causes panic attacks, you can't predict when you will have another. A panic attack is your body's reaction to a perceived threat. The body goes into 'flee or fight' mode. The body is doing what it is supposed to do when threatened. The only problem - the threat is not real. Adrenaline is released and your body gets ready for a fight. That's why your heart rate quickens. Many people notice a tingling in arms and fingers. That's because blood is moving away from the lesser needed extremities and going to places like the legs and brain.

Since you don't know the reasons behind a panic attack, everything you do is centered around trying not to have another attack. You may start avoiding places and situations for fear of having an attack. This can lead to other phobias that make it even harder to go about your daily activities. Many people with extreme panic disorder may start to develop agoraphobia because their safe zone becomes smaller and smaller.

Perhaps if you lower the amount of stress in your life you can stop your panic attacks. If you are going through some stressful, life changing experiences get some counseling help to deal with them. Even if the experiences are good, they can still be stressful. Take some time and work through your issues.

Regular exercise and relaxation techniques can reduce general stress. Some relaxation techniques such as breathing can help you overcome a panic attack. When you feel an attack coming upon you, start taking deep breaths and reassure yourself that you can make it through. Remember that no one has ever died from a panic attack. Concentrate on relaxing your body starting with your shoulders and working your way down. Call a friend or try to do another activity.

Panic attacks are treatable, you can do it yourself. You can learn how to stop panic attacks. Stopping panic attacks means stopping the fear that another will come. - 30437

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