subject: Stop Panic Attacks Now: How To Stop Panic Attacks In Their Tracks [print this page] Stop Panic Attacks Now: How To Stop Panic Attacks In Their Tracks
A panic attack is sometime said to happen without any cause. In some cases this can prove to be true, but more often than not it is caused by an external factor. One easy way to stop panic attacks now is to know what their underlying cause is.
Panic attacks can be caused by fear, such as fear of speaking in front of a large group of people, or the fear of making a total fool of one's self. At other times, the cause may be simply stress or having too many negative thoughts. Meditation, yoga, and other relaxing exercises can help alleviate stress and allow the body to relax. This can thus lessen the effects of the panic or anxiety attack. In case it still persists, one can seek the help of his doctor.
A person should be familiar with the common symptoms of panic. Hyperventilating, palpitations, and shaking can be associated with an attack, especially if it is accompanied by a sudden fear of death or fear of going insane. These symptoms can be overwhelming even to a person who has ample knowledge of the symptoms.
The first thing to stop panic attacks now is to act as soon as the symptoms manifest themselves. Doing proper breathing exercises is important, since this helps a person relax. Caffeine can worsen stress and anxiety, so one should try to remember if he has had a cup of coffee any time before the panic attack occurred. If so, it may be best to avoid drinking coffee especially on an empty stomach, since it can easily stimulate faster breathing and raise a person's heartbeat. Another possible physical condition that can be attributed to anxiety is the lack of sleep. Those who have gone without sleep the entire night can feel edgy and clumsy at times. The body is also more prone to become emotional or startled.
There are four more steps that a person can use to help stop panic attacks now. First is to relax, and the quickest way to do that is to breathe normally. Second is to stop any negative thoughts from forming inside one's mind. A person can even scream "STOP!" inside his head in order to halt any negative thoughts. One can now quickly follow this statement with a thought that can help him calm down. This leads us to the third step, which involves coping statements. These statements are also known as positive statements. A person needs to focus his mind on rational and positive thoughts. Finally, one should accept the feelings they experience when having a panic attack, such as fear and nervousness. It is important to remember that fear is a useful emotion since it helps people take the necessary steps to protect themselves and that fear is not harmful.
A person should be aware of the different advantages and disadvantages of using natural remedies, therapy, medication, breathing exercises, or other methods to stop panic attacks now. This would help him decide the right course of action when dealing with this sudden, but usually brief, experience.