Dealing with panic attacks can be both frightening and debilitating. The effects of panic are intense and overwhelming, which makes it difficult to enjoy simple things, like going out in public or engaging in social activities. This article contains some great tips to help you to deal with your panic disorder.
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.
Panic attacks are terrifying because the person experiencing them has the sudden overwhelming fear that they are going to die. The important thing to remember about panic attacks is that you can control them cognitively. Your brain is taking normal everyday stimuli (a shift in the road while driving, for example), and interpreting them in a fearful way. You can course-correct this fearful interpretation by trying to recall what the source of that stimulus could be. This will reduce your fear and your panic should subside somewhat.
If you experience panic attacks, you may find it useful to carry “insurance” in the form of some type of anti-anxiety medication. Medicines such as clonazepam in very small, occasional doses can be extremely effective in quickly calming a panic attack. They are not meant to be taken daily and should, of course, be taken under a doctor’s instructions.
Give yourself permission to have a panic attack when you’re in the middle of one. Don’t beat yourself up or make yourself more upset just because of the way you’re feeling right now! Let it be OK and know that you’ll make it through unscathed just as you always have before.
When you’re fighting against panic attacks, the first thing you want to do is make a list of everything that happens when you have one. When you know all your signs, you’ll have the ability to know when you’re starting to have an attack. You will find this helps tremendously.
A silly but successful way to help get through a panic attack is to place something cold, like an ice pack or frozen food, beneath your arms in your armpits. Focus on the coolness and feel it go throughout your body. I have no idea how it works, but it does!
Count how long your panic attack takes to end, and then write the information down. Continue to keep a journal and watch as your panic attacks get shorter and shorter. As you learn to apply specific tips you’ll see that not only do your panic attacks shrink in duration, but also get farther apart.
Get angry at your fears and tell them you won’t let a panic attack take you down! Really tell your feelings that you are sick of them and that you really don’t want them in your life! Let them know that when they leave this time you don’t ever want to see them again, so goodbye!
These practical tips will offer help in your battle with panic attacks. Keep in mind that your negative feelings are oftentimes connected to your panic attacks. Don’t hesitate to make some important improvements in your life. Although it can take a lot of effort, it will be worth having your life back.
