subject: How To Overcome Panic Attacks Without Medication [print this page] Although we shall be talking here about how to overcome panic attacks without medication, at the first sign of the symptoms you must get a professional diagnosis. This is important because the symptoms of these attacks can be similar to the signs of other issues.
So that you can see what I mean more clearly, here are some typical panic attack symptoms...
Shortness of breath
Tightness across chest or throat
Nausea
Hot or cold flashes
Racing heart
Tingling in fingers
Dizziness or lightheadedness
A real feeling of impending doom
This is why it's very important to be diagnosed properly, so that your doctor can offer the appropriate treatment. For the purposes of this article, of course, we'll assume you have been diagnosed with anxiety and associated panic attacks.
Why do I say anxiety? Well, in general, someone who has higher-than-normal levels of anxiety and stress is more likely to have a panic attack, because a stressful situation such as being stuck in a lift, worried about a job interview, etc. can add a spike of stress to that high anxiety level and push your overall level over into an attack.
In my experience, doctors invariably prescribe drugs to control your anxiety and panic attacks. These can work for many people, but their serious side effects can put people off them. And they cannot really address the underlying issues that may be causing your anxiety in the first place.
There are many exercise and techniques to help you manage your anxiety such as relaxation exercises, meditation, self-hypnosis, yoga, etc., and, steps you can take during a panic attack like, deep breathing or breathing in a paper bag.
But one of the most important steps in your recovery is to realize that panic attacks cannot harm you. This is a medical fact. If you can get that into your head, and truly believe it, you'll be in a much stronger position to move forward...
Now comes probably the most important step. You have to break-out of your vicious cycle of anxiety. This is the name given to your 'fear' (unconscious or conscious) of having another panic attack. You see, this fear builds upon your already elevated anxiety to an extent that it can push you over into an attack!
