For anyone who has ever had a panic attack, you know that it is not a fun experience. But, you will live through it.
Here is some information to help those who experience
panic attacks to deal with them.
What is a panic attack? It is the body’s response to the situation around us. For instance, when we are faced with danger, the body’s “fight or flight” response kicks in.
It helps us to assess our choices in the situation and
move to do one of them. When faced with an attacker and there is a way of escape, the body prepares to run like the wind.
A panic attack is much the same, except the threat can be imagined as well as real.
Here’s another example. You enter a room full of people that you don’t know.
A host of thoughts go through your mind, from will they like you to what will you say
to start a conversation.
The resulting anxiety can lead to a panic attack. No one is actually out to hurt you, but your
thoughts on the situation have made your body think that an attack was imminent.
What do you feel when experiencing a panic attack? Anyone who’s had one knows the answer full well. Your heart beats faster; some feel as if they can’t catch their breath. There is a feeling of numbness and tingling in the extremities, dizziness and maybe blurred vision.
All are preparing you to “do” something.
The good news is that it won’t end your life. The bad news is that it will feel like it. Anxious thoughts can bring on a panic attack anywhere you experience one of your triggering situations.
One of the best ways to deal with panic attacks is to know your triggers. These are situations that make you uncomfortable. For a shy person, it may be a room full of strangers.
It could also happen when faced with giving a speech in front of a group.
In many instances, you won’t be able to avoid the situations that make you anxious all the time.
If it involves driving on the interstate and your job is in another city, then you will have
to learn to handle it.
Knowing your triggers can help you prepare by coming up with calming thoughts.
Your mind can help you return to a calm state through positive affirmations.You make the opportunity to reason on your fears, to talk yourself through the situation before you enter it.
Say things like “I have nothing to worry about. I can handle this” are possibilities.
Your body may experience some effects of anxiety but your thoughts will eventually take over and you will have the option to create another scenario another out come.
Learn what situations trigger the attacks
and then diffuse them.
Breathing techniques are another great tool, use an everyday practice to create calm and joy in your life. It will also teach you how to control your breathing helping you through a panic attack.
Be aware smoking and caffeine can provoke panic attacks.
