subject: Bring An End To Panic Attacks- Take Action Now [print this page] Was there a moment in time when you suddenly experienced a shortness of breath or a sense of separation from your surroundings or worse, a tremendous fear of dying, going crazy or losing control?
What you probably went through was your first incident of having a panic attack, or from time to time referred to as an anxiety attack. Exactly what is it? Is there something mentally wrong with you or is this a common experience brought on by the fast paced society we live in today? Can you eradicate them from your life? This article will offer some of the basic facts about panic attacks and how you can deal with them effectively.
Anxiety Attacks Can Occur Anywhere and Anytime of the Day.
Though the cause for these attacks can differ noticeably, they are thought to be brought about by major changes in one's life or pressure brought about by work or family. The extent of panic attacks vary, it can last from 10 minutes up to an hour depending on the level of the attacks. It can be a onetime thing or a recurring episode that reoccurs due to events or conditions that had previously set off the panic attack in the first place.
The individual undergoing anxiety attacks usually exhibits symptoms such as:
Shortness of breath or respiration issues
Heart palpitations or racing heart beats
Disconnection from surroundings
Heavy perspiration or feeling chilled.
Feeling dizzy or faint
Being afraid of dying, losing control or going crazy
Experiencing numbness, tingling, or other unusual body sensations.
Chest Pains
Uncontrollable Trembling and Shaking
Although panic attacks are not life threatening in nature, it can be emotionally draining and wearisome. Since most of the signs or symptoms are similar to heart attacks or other life threatening afflictions, many people tend not to realize what is really gone on with them causing further frustration and doubt of one's psychological health.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to prevent to panic attacks. Possibly one of the simplest and easiest ways to deal with anxiety attacks is take prescribed medication. Physicians will often employ the use of anti-depressants and benzodiazepines to help people deal with the issue. Not surprisingly there can be, and often are, some bothersome side effects with these medications, but they can be effective. Particularly when taken in conjunction with therapy. There are also a few natural remedies in the form of herbal supplements that have been shown to be helpful in keeping tension and anxiety in check.
However, the most effective way to endattacks is to use a form of psychotherapy treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy treatment is the most widely used form of treatment. Individuals experiencing panic attacks are made to understand and realize that their irrational thoughts are groundless and are also taught to except and understand that occasional panic is a normal part of our lives.
A change in lifestyle is an additional way of reducing anxiety attacks - such as an increase in exercise, less consumption of caffeine, alcohol and using stress management techniques. Experts seem to be in agreement however, that the most effective treatment for panic attacks is cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a type of psychotherapy that is frequently used in overcoming fears and phobias. Through this treatment method, individuals are taught that their fears and reactions are based on irrational thinking patterns that trigger intense physical and emotional reactions. They also learn to accept the truth that all individuals experience fear, panic and anxiety at various times in their life and that it is part of the human condition. The person is encouraged to adopt lifestyle changes that reduce tension and apprehension, such as frequent work outs, a reduction of stimulents like caffeine, and practicing breathing and meditation exercises.
It is very vital that people who experience panic attacks realize that they are not "abnormal" or mentally deranged, and that anxiety and fear are part of the human experience. Comprehending this helps keep your fears in perspective and give you the courage to take a deep breath and simply accept them for what they are and face them head on, rather than panic and try to escape.
