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.
Listen to some music you find relaxing if you feel like you are going to have a panic attack Choose soothing music, and place your focus on the beat or lyrics. The ability to take your mind off of the panic and to focus it in another direction makes it easier to fight a panic attack.
Think through your fear thoughts during a panic attack and try to figure out why these problems are bothering you. If the dishes in the sink bother you, why? Is it because you don’t want people to see them? Why not? You may find a deep rooted problem which needs to be dealt with.
When you have a panic attack you should try to do an activity that a person gripped by fear normally wouldn’t do, especially if it can make you feel like you’re the boss of your situation. When you complete it successfully, have a little celebration for yourself and notice how amazing YOU are!
Determine what the triggers are for your panic attacks. Do you have a panic attack every time you turn in a project at work? Do you have a panic attack late at night after you’ve seen a scary film? By figuring out situations that seem to bring these attacks on, you can learn to avoid them and hopefully the attacks too.
A fun visualization technique when you’re having a panic attack is to become a leaf falling from a tree. Float to the ground slowly, swaying back and forth, and land gently on the ground. Let the wind blow you through the forest and focus on everything you fly past on the ground.
Pick up a self-help book on panic attacks. Remember to read each word as you come to it, focus on understanding each sentence, and then each paragraph. Go back over the words until you really feel confident that you know what the author is saying.
When you begin to feel an attack coming on, you should try to dis-empower the attack. Tell yourself over and over that your attacks have never caused any harm to you and panic attacks have never hurt any one else. Tell yourself that it does not mean anything at all.
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.
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.
