subject: Steps On How To Handle Panic Attacks [print this page] A panic attack disorder is a problem which enables an individual to experience intense, and excessive episodes of panic. This is closely related to substantial amounts of stress or unmanageable anxiety. Many people, who are suffering from this condition, have no idea how to handle panic attacks.
I can think of a lot of ideas on how to handle a panic attack, however, in this specific article, I will focus on proper breathing. Yes, you read that right, I will generally talk about how to breathe properly during a panic attack. You might be wondering how something as basic and innate as breathing helps you during this very challenging situation.
Let us begin this discussion with a quick overview of the physiology of the respiratory system. Oxygen, which we all know is the life of our body, enters the bloodstream by means of our lungs. Oxygen is moved from the blood to the various organs of the body, ready for use. As the blood unloads oxygen to the organ, it is also loaded with carbon dioxide to be transported out from the body through the nostrils.
With that said, what you have to understand now is that any imbalance in the rate of the exchange of these components imposes a risk to our health. If you are not careful, you might even faint. During panic attacks, most people have the tendency to hyperventilate, making their breathing very shallow. Thus, they inhale less oxygen and exhale more carbon dioxide.
If you are breathing like that, your panic attack simply gets worse because your body is stressing out to get more air. So do you understand now why correct breathing is vital? When you begin feeling as if you are going through an anxiety attack, look for a peaceful spot where you can collect yourself.
After that, take a deep breath through your nose and make sure that your mouth is close. Now, maintain your breath for a couple of seconds and breathe out through your slightly closed mouth. Do this repeatedly until you have settled down.
In the event that it will not work, using a brown bag to breathe in to will do the trick. It enhances re-uptake of carbon dioxide which enables you to return to the standard rate of breathing. The brown bag technique is done even in big hospitals.
Proper body posture is also one good way to help you achieve correct breathing. Slouching will only compress your lungs and cause you to have restricted breathing. Always remember that the best answer to the question - how to handle panic attacks? - is the correct breathing pattern.
