If you have ever had a panic attack, you can appreciate how important it is to know how to cope with them – or if possible, prevent them. Here are a few great ways to deal with your panic attacks so that they don’t control you. Get control back with these tips.
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.
During a panic attack you can be overtaken by worrisome “what if” statements, so a great way to get out of that mindset is to change them to “So what?” For example, “What if I fail my test?” turns into “SO WHAT if I fail my test?” Nothing is so bad it’s worth suffering over!
To cut down on the amount of stress that someone feels they should increase the amount of exercise that they do. Stress is one of the leading causes of panic attacks. If someone can rid their lives of stress, they will be able to have less panic attacks and enjoy their lives more.
During a panic attack it’s great to concentrate on what is great about yourself. Remember what you’re good at, or things you’ve done for others lately. Maybe you’re a kind person, or you have great empathy. All of the things about you which are amazing are what makes you you, so embrace them!
Work through your panic attack by disempowering it. Remind yourself over and over again that the attacks have never hurt you and don’t have the ability to do so. Tell yourself that you know what it is and know that it will pass. Remember that it is only sensations you are feeling, that sensations are harmless, and that you have the power to overcome them at will.
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.
Remember that medication is only a part of the plan. If you use medication to deal with your anxiety, it is important that you also keep talking to your friends and family about how your regiment and problems are going. Always stay one step ahead of your anxiety and panic attacks.
Talking about your symptoms with a trained professional, a friend, or a sympathetic member of your family can often prove beneficial. Seeing a counselor can help you to understand what the triggers are that cause your panic attacks and give you tips on how to avoid them in the future.
Stop negative dialogue. Negative dialogue is one of the things that can cause a panic attack. One of the reasons that the panic continues is the way you talk to yourself. Rather than focusing on your fear, learn to talk yourself out of being afraid. Tell yourself that you are in control and will not let the panic attack consume you. Talk to yourself in a relaxing, soothing manner, and remember that the panic will pass.
Try these tips to deal with panic attacks. Each one may not work for you, as everyone is different. However, take the tips that work for you and use them as defense against the panic attacks that threaten you. Conquer them and you’ll be able to live your life again.
