Having a panic attack can be very uncomfortable if you’re not used to it. Most people still have not heard about panic attacks, so they are not sure how to help you deal with them. Here are some effective ways to handle panic attacks so that you feel better when you have them.
Anticipate your panic attack. If you have been suffering for panic attacks, you have to have a plan in place for dealing with them when they happen. You don’t want to be caught unawares, so know what you will do before you even start having a panic attack in the first place.
Create your own panic attack mantra to help you get over the feelings of fear. “I am an amazing person who can deal with everything!” is mine. I like that it’s short, easy to say, and I can really get into the feeling of it. Create your own and repeat it out loud to beat that attack!
When you feel a panic attack coming on, distract yourself immediately. Put your mind on any task or distraction such as reciting a nursery rhyme, trying to name every state in the USA alphabetically, or humming your favorite song. Do whatever you can to get your mind off of the feeling of panic. This may be able to end a big panic attack before it starts, so you can feel at ease a little earlier.
When you are having a panic attack think about the reason you’re having one. What have you eaten today? Who did you spend time with? What were you thinking about just before it happened? Once you feel better, try to write down everything that might have affected your state of mind and led up to the panic attack and then narrow down the reasons.
As you start to take over your panic attacks and turn them around, congratulate yourself for the hard work and dedication you’ve shown! The more you realize the changes you’re making, the better they’ll work to help you stay calm. Keep up the good work!
Self-esteem is an important factor to consider when trying to overcome your anxiety. People with high self-esteem are less likely to panic because they are happier with who they are. They are more confident. Try to work on your self-esteem to make yourself a little less anxious.
In order to control the number and intensity of your panic attacks it is important to share your feelings rather than keeping them bottled up inside. Talk to someone if they upset you as the stress from worrying about the situation can cause a panic attack.
Sometimes you just need to walk away. You are in a fight or flight situation during a panic attack and your adrenaline is pumping. Take a walk for a while to burn this energy as quickly as possible. You will regulate your system and slow the production of adrenaline by increasing your heart rate and bringing oxygen to your system quicker.
Experiencing panic attacks is confusing and scary for the person. When an panic attack occurs, the best trick is to stop and find a quiet place to sit. Take deep breaths in and slowly release the breath through the mouth while thinking pleasant thoughts. Try not to focus on the physical body and remember that the attack is only temporary.
Know and accept that fact that you have anxiety, it will defuse the worst of feelings. Anxiety will always be with you but you can exert control over it and lessen the amount of panic attacks you experience .
Focus on something that you have control over. If you find yourself in the midst of a panic attack, separate your mind from the situation. Focus on something that you can control – think about your family members, think about something funny that has happened to you recently, plan tonight’s meal in your mind – anything that will prevent you from thinking about the panic that you are feeling. Quite often you will find that this reduces the length of the attack.
Don’t push yourself too far too quickly when working on techniques for dealing with a panic attack. If you tend to panic when you go over a bridge in your car, start by driving by a bridge. Then try walking over the bridge, and once you can do that a few times THEN drive over the bridge. Take your time!
Avoiding perfection is important when dealing with panic attacks, and you have to remember that when planning out strategies for treatment as well! Some techniques will work, others won’t, but it’s the fact that you’re trying so hard that will lead you down the road to freedom from future attacks!
Of course, consulting a doctor is the first thing you should do, but after you’ve talked to him, make sure to use these tips as a blueprint. Panic attacks can be unpleasant, but you are strong enough to handle them–especially once you arm yourself with the right kind of information.
How To Relieve Yourself of the Burden of Panic Attacks was originally published on Spring