Panic Attacks
Many people suffer from anxiety disorders, which may at times escalate into full-blown panic attacks. These can happen at unpredictable times and be very inconvenient in daily life. The causes of panic attacks can be difficult to pin down. The treatment that is most effective for an individual depends on various factors. The following articles describe the condition, and the various therapeutic options available to people suffering from panic attacks.
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
The symptoms of panic vary. Some people deal with heart palpitations while others have shortness of breath, imminent fear of something terrible happening to them. There are many different ways to cope with panic attacks. Some people find themselves overwhelmed and do not know how to handle their anxiety. They might feel helpless and not have the coping skills to deal with panic. When you try to control panic, it tends to get worse. It is possible to manage panic attacks if you work with a therapist on breathing and mindfulness.
Some people can easily confuse a heart attack with a panic attack.
The symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Racing heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Feeling weak
- Sweating or chills
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling out of control
- Chest pain
- Sense of immediate danger or unavoidable doom
- Tingling in the extremities
How to Stop a Panic Attack
Someone who has frequent panic attacks should consult a mental health professional as soon as possible. However, these attacks’ nature means that some people need strategies to help until they can get an appointment.
Here are some strategies to stop a panic attack:
- Focus on the breath
- Call it by name
- Try grounding
- Methodically relax one body part at a time
- Repeat a helpful mantra
A therapist or psychiatrist can help you develop techniques that are unique to your situations. If you believe that you may require therapy for panic attacks, find a therapist near you.
Therapy Can Help
Many people with panic disorder benefit from individual therapy. In these sessions, patients and providers identify the patient’s triggers. Then, they can find ways to better cope with these triggers. This may include changing the person’s thought-behavioral patterns.
Qualified therapists specializing in anxiety disorders can provide practical, actionable advice on avoiding and dealing with panic attacks. While medication and other forms of treatment can help manage the symptoms, only talk therapy can address the root causes that lead to chronic anxiety.