When panic attacks occur they can be extremely frightening, especially the first few times they happen, until they are properly diagnosed, and even after correct diagnosis, they are still very scary episodes. When an attack happens, the symptoms are very like those of heart attack and are often mistaken for same at the outset. There is no set pattern, and there is no time duration. They can, and do, happen anywhere, anytime, and last for a long as they will. There are a number of treatments for dealing with panic attacks, but natural, and therefore safer methods are to be favored above all others.
Shortness of breath (hyperventilating) is one of the most common and one of the most scary symptoms. Having to fight for your breath is a terrifying experience. The best way of dealing with hyperventilation is to force yourself to take long slow breaths whilst counting down slowly from ten to zero. Some people have found that breathing into a paper bag held loosely at its open end to allow the passage air in and out, helpful.
Yoga, and the art of medication can also help. The deep breathing and the relaxation necessary to induce trance-like meditation can really help to minimize the severity of panic attacks, and lessen their duration too. Even if it is not practicable to assume the yoga position, if in a public place, the breathing technique and the muscle relaxation are enough to help to bring an attack under control.
Being helped by someone you are familiar and comfortable with can also be of assistance, even if you only talk to them on the telephone. The simple act of having a friendly ear to listen to what you are going through, your fears and your worries can be of huge benefit. You may also find it useful (especially if you live alone) to join a support group. The good thing about support groups is that you are amongst fellow sufferers, so you can talk to people who are experiencing the same problems that you are. You can swap ideas and experiences and maybe learn some new techniques off them that could help you. It is also comforting to know that you are not alone.
Panic attacks are the physical manifestation of stress, worry and pressure. But none-the-less the physical symptoms are very real and very debilitating. Some people even become housebound because they are afraid of suffering an attack when they’re out and about. This can sometimes turn into agoraphobia. All to often a panic attack sufferer is not aware of exactly what it is that triggers an attack, but finding out is crucial if further attacks are to be minimized or avoided.
If you are to be successful in overcoming panic attacks, it is necessary to gain a full understanding, not only of the root cause, but how and why it manifests itself. The support group option we mentioned earlier can be very helpful to this end, as can reading and researching the condition on the web.
Some people find that it can help if they can take their minds off the experience during an attack by some sort of diversion; so compiling a list of helpful things to do, or a few quotations or sayings, or even some song lyrics; anything to distract your mind away from the attack itself can be a great help.
It may also be beneficial to seek the help of a professional therapist. Such a person is of course trained in these matters and may be able to find the cause even if you can’t. Once found, they may also be able to help you to deal with it.
