Suffering a panic attack is a terrifying experience that can leave you wondering if you’ve just had a heart attack. However scary these panic attacks may be, it is important for you to realize that they cannot hurt you and that they are part of a condition, known as panic disorder, that affects millions of people. Understanding the physical and mental aspects of panic attacks and their underlying causes can help you to deal with them more calmly and rationally. The tips in this article are designed to give you all the information you need on the nature of panic attacks and the best prevention techniques and coping mechanisms.

Some processed foods, and many fast food items, can actually trigger panic attacks. I won’t name the company, but there is a type of fried chicken that would cause my heart to start palpitating within 30 minutes of eating it! Stick to wholesome, fresh foods you prepare yourself to avoid an attack.

One way to beat a panic attack is to visualize yourself being outside your body watching what’s happening. Imagine watching as your body stops wheezing, or begins to calm down. This can help your body to literally react to what you see in your mind’s eye, bringing the attack to an end.

When you’re experiencing an attack you can use visualization techniques to help end it. Start breathing deeply and then close your eyes, next focus on each area of your body that is giving you trouble. Imagine yourself being calm, then relaxed, and finally going back to normal, and soon enough you’ll find it has.

If you are prone to panic attacks, it is helpful to discuss them with a health professional. Otherwise you are liable to feel vulnerable to terrifying feelings of impending doom or death at any time. Take the time to talk with a mental health professional about your attacks to see what kinds of treatments you find effective.

Some people experience panic attacks while driving or riding in a car. Should this happen to you, opening the car windows a bit for some fresh air on your face should help. If it’s summertime, crank the air conditioning for a bit which should cool your head and calm your nerves. If you are flying, open the overhead fan all the way to cool yourself and calm down.

Search out a friend when you’re having a panic attack and start talking. Talk about all the things that are great in your life, how happy things make you, or even what truly is upsetting you. The more you get out the better you’ll start to feel, and the attack will pass.

If you suffer from panic attacks, reduce or eliminate your caffeine intake by switching to decaffeinated versions of your favorite beverages. Caffeine can intensify anxiety and feeling jittery, which may trigger a panic attack. Cut back slowly if you consume a lot of caffeine to prevent headaches and other withdrawal symptoms.

To distract yourself from the panicky feelings that occur during an attack, try progressive relaxation. Tense and release each muscle group from your toes to your head, and try to focus on the sensations in your muscles. This prevents you from clenching your muscles and gives you something relaxing to do as you wait for the panicky sensation to subside.

Visualize yourself lying in a field of bubbles when you have your next panic attack. As they begin to burst you are able to move lower and lower into the pile of bubbles. The pile is never-ending so you know you are fully supported, relaxed, and surrounded by joy and love.

Turn the things you’re worried about during a panic attack into a joke. “The house being so dusty means no one will rob it.” The lighter you can make your thoughts the faster your panic attack will pass. Start to laugh out loud and you’ll feel totally amazing really quickly!

Concentrate on breathing to overcome panic attacks. Deep breathing is effective not only because it keeps you occupied and relaxed but also because it performs several important physical functions like lowering your pulse and blood pressure, increasing circulation and easing tension in your body.

When you have a panic attack it’s time to redecorate! Move your furniture around, or start sketching a new design. Focus your energy into making your house more beautiful and you’ll have something to be proud of when you’re done, plus your panic attack will be over and you will have forgotten it every happened!

Being informed about panic disorder and panic attacks is an important part of overcoming them. If you know exactly what is causing your distress and are aware of the physical symptoms that you are going to experience during an attack, you can feel calmer and more relaxed in the knowledge that you aren’t having a heart attack or other life-threatening experience. Moreover, you can take steps to alleviate the severity of an attack, when armed with the right knowledge.

Manage Panic Attacks In The Future With These Tips was originally published on Spring