Coping with Panic Attacks

---

Most of the people in the world will suffer a panic attack at least once in their lifetime. For many it will be a onetime occurrence and they will never experience another. However, for others anxiety becomes a full time situation that they must deal with. For these people coping with panic attacks can be a full time job.

Diagnosis

The first thing you will want to do if you think you have had a panic attack is to seek medical attention. A few common disorders can be at the bottom of a panic attack, things like OCD, posttraumatic stress, Wilson’s disease and others. Once your physician rules out the possibility of underlying medical problems you can then proceed with treatment options.

Treatment

Coping with panic attacks can include medications; often times your doctor will prescribe anti-depressants or tranquilizers to alleviate the symptoms of a panic attack while you work on the underlying problem. Medications that are commonly prescribed include:

• paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, escitalopram
• diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam ( These are less often prescribed due to problems with dependency.)

While medications will help keep panic attacks at bay, they will not “cure” anxiety attacks. In the mean time, it is important to have some good coping skills. There are several tips and tricks to help keep you in the moment.

When you have a panic attack, you feel like there is some impending doom. The symptoms of an anxiety attack include:

• Heart racing
• Palpitations
• Fear of dying
• Sweating
• Chills
• Hallucinations
• Feeling unreal

Tips for coping with panic attacks include doing whatever it takes to stay in the moment and not allow the fear to overwhelm you.

Breathing

Perhaps one of the best methods of coping with panic attacks is to control your breathing. To do this you should breathe in and out very slowly and deeply through your nose. This accomplishes two things, one it gives you something other than fear to focus on and two you will keep a good balance of oxygen in the blood. Both of which are beneficial to controlling a panic attack.

Counting

Along the same lines as breathing is the process of counting slowly to yourself. When you feel your heart begin to race, you can start the counting process in your mind. This works because again you have something to focus your thoughts on besides the fear.

Positive Statements

A potential cause of panic attacks is a lot of negative speech or wondering constantly what might happen. For example worrying every time you get in your car about getting in an accident. You want to replace these thoughts with something more positive, particularly when you feel a panic attack coming on. Tell yourself that you are okay, this will pass and no one ever died from a panic attack.

Finally

Coping with panic attacks can seem daunting, but in reality with a little practice, you will become a pro. These tips and tricks will help you maintain your sanity and get through this trying time. Take heart that you are not the only person to suffer from panic attacks and there is plenty of help.

I thought you might be interested in this article: how to stop panic attacks and panic attack disorder



Copyright 2009 Panic-Attack-Symptoms.net
Panic Attack Symptoms | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap

Related Articles:

Medication For Panic Attacks
How To Stop Panic Attacks
Stop Panic Attack
Anxiety Panic Disorder
Causes Of Panic Attacks