There is nothing wrong with you if you suffer from panic attacks, you just need to learn all you can about them so that you can learn to deal with them. In an increasingly high-pressure world, it’s no wonder that instances of panic attacks are on the rise. The following article offers you a number of helpful ways to cope with them.
Participating in deep breathing a few times a day can help keep your body relaxed and free from panic attacks. Start by breathing through your nose to your stomach on a slow count of four, and then breathe out through your mouth for four. Increase to five, six, and beyond as you can.
One way to decrease the symptoms of a panic attack is by correcting your posture. During a panic attack, people tend to cross their arms and draw their legs up tightly against their body. It is a naturally protective position, but it tends to restrict breathing, which can increase the severity of your symptoms. Try to be aware of your posture during a panic attack. Stand or kneel, if possible. This allows you to breathe more evenly and calm down more quickly.
As you experience a panic attack, you should focus on your feelings and write them down in a journal. You must focus on your REAL feelings, not fears of what might happen to you down the road. Keep to what you feel right now, and how you think those feelings relate to your pre-attack state.
An excellent exercise to try during a panic attack is to move in slow motion. Perform every action with deliberate thoughts and in the minutest detail. Slow down all of your movements and try to slow down your breathing as well. Concentrate on what you’re doing to the point that you hear nothing else.
When you begin to feel tension and panic you should try watching a funny video on TV or on the internet. Make sure that you laugh out loud. The act of laughing and opening up will help you relax and will release hormones that will make your worries disappear.
To keep yourself calm during a panic attack, immediately start practicing your deep breathing. Place a hand flat on your stomach and inhale deeply until you feel your stomach rise. Not only is this an effective way to reduce tension, but focusing on your breathing takes your attention off of your feelings of panic.
The feelings that you are having during your panic attack will not harm you. They may be very unpleasant but try to understand they cannot harm you, only your actions can. If you feel like you have to get away and run and do not take that action, then this will help you defeat the feelings. Take control of your body and remember your actions are what hurts you.
Say NO to your panic attack! When it gives you a negative thought, say NO! When it makes your heart flutter, say NO! Just keep saying NO until the feelings pass and the physical symptoms subside. If you never say “yes” or “okay” you’ll find that your attacks pass really quickly.
Exercising regularly can help to deter some panic attacks. Exercise helps to prevent panic attacks in two ways. One, physical activity helps you to expel extra energy in your body, as well as, to moderate all of your biological processes. At the same time, exercise strengthens your body and makes you healthier and more confident, reducing your feelings of vulnerability and thus, of panic or fear.
It is important that your child feels confident that they can talk to you about anything that they are going through. Many children have debilitating panic attacks because they feel as though they cannot talk to their parents about their feelings because they just won’t understand.
If you’re having an especially bad panic attack you should remember that they are treatable, and you will get over it. Use the techniques you already know like deep breathing or adrenaline burning to work your way through it. Taking control is the only way to beat panic attacks for good!
When self-help and coping strategies are not enough, see your doctor for help in managing your panic attacks. There are a number of anti-anxiety drugs that can be prescribed temporarily or long-term that can help you to remain calm and relaxed, even when you face stressful or triggering situations.
When you are feeling well, make a list of the things that you fear might happen to you when you have a panic attack. Next to each item, jot down something that will calm or relieve that fear. Keep the list easily accessible, so the next time you have a panic attack, you can use it as a reassurance to help you calm down.
Panic attacks are not a sign of weakness. If you have panic attacks, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with you. Living with panic attacks shows how strong you really are. Remember these tips so you can control your panic attacks. Hopefully you can get rid of them altogether.
The Cure For Frequent Panic Attacks was originally published on Spring