How to Deal with Panic Attacks
A1. Recogize that panic attacks are transitory, and will
pass eventually. Although they feel terrifying at the time, they are not
dangerous. Also, they are not a sign that you are going crazy, or are about to
die.
A2. Try and take comfort in the fact that you are not
alone in suffering from this. There are many, many people who are also
struggling with panic disorder.
A3. Educate yourself onwhat panic attacks are.
Essentially, the intense feelings of panic are caused by an excess of
adrenaline in what feels like a traumatic or life-threatening situation. That is, it is a physiological response,
triggered by an event that reminds you of something threatening from your past.
Thus, your feelings are telling your body to escape from it views as a
potentially dangerous situation.
A4. People who don’t have panic attacks may not
understand what is going on. However, people who genuinely care about you will
want to understand what you’re going through – and you may be surprised at how
supportive they can be.
A5. Understand that avoiding situations which create
anxiety will only reinforce your panicky feelings. That is, the more you avoid
them, the worse they will get. Instead, when you first start to panic, don’t
try to fight the feelings. Allow them to build - and then you’ll find they will
subside. At the same time, try and focus on the way that you are breathing –
and try and breathe as slowly, and deeply, as you can.
A6. Make sure you get plenty of quality sleep, exercise regularly,
and build margin in your life. (That will help to prevent you from getting
over-stressed.)
Image Source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/340886
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