subject: Are You Struggling With Panic Attacks? [print this page] Panic attacks are sudden and unexpectedPanic attacks are sudden and unexpected. They are characterized with hyperventilation, palpitation or increased heart rate and muscle tension. Most panic attacks last for a span of 10 minutes. Others may last longer and are more difficult to deal with. Whatever the case, there are many ways to prevent an attack from getting out of one's control.
Experiencing the symptoms that accompany panic attacks is completely normal for people who have the condition. They may be really overwhelming most of the time and may even cause you to panic even more, but they can never really bring about additional damage. The moment you understand that a lot of people are also facing this kind of struggle every day you will be able to deal with it with confidence.
Most people spend the rest of their lives having constant panic attacks, while some may only experience it once. The symptoms for panic attacks may sometimes be similar to that of another medical condition so study the symptoms or consult your doctor whether you are really having anxiety disorder or not.
The early physical signs of a panic attack are shortness of breath and heart rate acceleration. To manage such symptom, try to relax your muscles and take long and deep breaths. When you do this your heart rate will return to normal and your muscles will be relieved of tension.
Another very effective technique you can use is thought stopping. How to use this technique is very obvious, you stop the negative thoughts running in your mind at the moment you are having panic attacks. After putting such negative thoughts into a halt, replace them immediately with positive ones. This technique will give you a sense that you are in control.
Another common condition linked with panic attacks is Agoraphobia which is the fear of being trapped and unable to escape a certain situation. Many victims of panic attacks have this fear. Experts say that you can deal with Agoraphobia by diverting your thoughts from negative to positive thoughts. The principle of thought stopping is also effective in dealing with it.
Although a panic attack is not something a person who has panic disorder can avoid, it can surely be managed and put under control. Since what causes these attacks usually start in a person's mind, you can train yourself to think more of positive and constructive thoughts.
