Archive for December, 2009

What to Do When a Panic Attack Strikes?

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Receiving an attack for your first time could be disconcerting not just due to the physical experience during this panic attack but also since you’ll develop a fear of future attacks. Also regarded as the anticipatory anxiety, fear of future panic attacks brings about continuous fear and tension making it so you cannot take it easy. Often when the affliction is not addressed, it could be the first step on the road to phobic avoidance in which you avoid places, circumstances, gatherings, and places that emergency help isn’t immediately accessible or a place where having an attack might be embarrassing. At worst, the condition may lead to a fear of open spaces where you start to circumvent much of the things that you normally do therefore to divert these issues, consider these guidelines:

1. Talk to your medical doctor.

Symptoms related to such attacks such speeding heart, chest agony, heavy breathing, profuse perspiring, agitation, etc., are also related to other physiological and psychological conditions. Looking for correct diagnosis from the physician, therefore, will rule out any source that is not related to anxiety. Tell your doctor your symptoms the time your attack occurred as well as the intensity of the attack. Your doctor will inquire about your previous medical history and may perform a few tests (e.g. urine examination, blood examination, drug screens, and any others he deems necessary).

2. Consult a therapist who is properly educated to handle these issues.

No, you are not insane (individuals that go to a therapist aren’t insane), you just have to visit the therapist to process your feelings and prevent possible attacks. Do not wait too long to seek assistance since left untreated, a panic attack can be a gateway to the more severe ailments. Your therapist may give you cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure treatment to work through all of your ideas.

Panic Attack

3. Find the cause of this attack.

Certain cases of panic attacks might show a sort of “pattern” – specific activity, thoughts, time or person you are in the company of at the time of the panic attack and these give you important clues to eradicate further manifestations.

4. Learn new relaxation methods.

Music, meditation, yoga, and breathing methods aren’t only helpful in reducing such symptoms throughout the actual episode but additionally in magnifying your body’s relaxation reflex and can be done in any location.

5. Do not add additional fear.

Soaking up all of those fears and additional negative thoughts which accompany anxiety attack only leads to additional fear which increases the negative effect further. Rather, recognize that you’re afraid and make that work in your favor.

6. Practice a healthful lifestyle.

Studies prove that at just thirty minutes of activity 3 to 5 times per week is an excellent tension reliever, good for preventing later attacks. Good diet leaves the supply of goodness and preserves the balanceof chemicals in your body. Sleeping at least eight hours per day rejuvenates the body, freshens the mind, and relaxes the muscles.

7. Take away all unnecessary stress.

Because attacks are closely connected to tension, abstaining from items, people, and circumstances that cause stress help lower the chance of later episodes.

8. Learn about scares.

There are many resources in which you could pick up more information about the ailment. Checking out books, health magazines and Internet content regarding these attacks will surely arm you with the proper data on how to fight any detrimental effects that accompany it.