Here is another article on panic attacks self help that you may find useful

Two of the most horrifying little goodies that so often accompany panic attacks and severe anxiety are derealization and depersonalization. Both can be absolutely crippling and take you right to the turnstiles of your perception of insanity. This article will discuss what these spooky phenomena are and what may cause them.

Coming from personal experience, derealization is a deep and disturbing sensation of unreality and detachment from one’s immediate world, rather an altered state of consciousness. It’s been described as feeling as though one is looking at the world through thick glass. I mean, you can see clearly, are fully oriented, and can function; however it’s like you’re operating in a very exclusive dimension. It is an absolutely terrifying experience and generally leads to the belief that insanity is at hand - especially if one hasn’t the knowledge as to what’s really going on. As derealization presents, one becomes extremely concerned about what to do and how to find help. See, it’s all about the fear of being, and appearing, crazy - or at the very least, extremely strange.

Now, just as derealization is an environmental perceptual issue, depersonalization is an equally disturbing self-perception phenomenon. During my junior year in college I walked into the house I shared with some buddies and caught a glimpse of a photograph hanging on the wall of the six of us. Though it was only a glimpse, something just didn’t seem right – that quickly. So I stopped, walked back to the photo and saw this person right in the middle of the picture. I knew who he was, yet I didn’t. But it was me! I can’t tell you how frightening that sensation was. Depersonalizaton holds the potential to snatch away your last morsels of identity and security, having any sort of concept of self relegated to the dumpster.

So, what actually causes these sensations? Recent research has suggested that extraordinary and frightening sensations, such as near-death and out-of-body experiences – which I believe are in the same ballpark as derealization and depersonalization – may occur because of stress-induced malfunctioning brain chemistry. For example, a structure in the temporal lobe (lower side) of the brain known as the angular gyrus, specifically the right angular gyrus, is believed to process sensory input in an effort to aid in the perception of our physical selves. Featured in one particular study was a seizure disorder patient participating in a course of electrical stimulation treatment. During a procedure the electrodes were applied to the right side of the patient’s head (right angular gyrus?), and guess what? When the juice was turned on the patient reported an out-of-body experience. Now, this research doesn’t specifically address the cause of derealization and depersonalization; however it begins to point some fingers. At least I think so.

The strange sensation of floating outside of the body during times of perceptual disorientation may be generated by any number of things, including panic, intense anxiety, major life stress, emotional and physical trauma, and brain disease or injury. As it applies to mental and emotional distress, perhaps as life circumstances begin to overwhelm us we become victims of transitioning consciousness as our minds react by generating custom-tailored out-of-body experiences known as derealization and depersonalization. V.S. Ramachandran, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Center for the Brain and Cognition at the University of California, San Diego, underscores the power of perceptual alteration by proposing there’s a shift in the very boundaries of self-perception when incoming sensual input doesn’t comply with what one perceives and requires as the norm. By the way, do whatever you can to read any of Ramachandran’s writings because it’s absolutely amazing stuff. This guy is the real deal.

As a past sufferer of this hocus-pocus, I view derealization and depersonalization, intense perceptual alterations, as the mind’s self-protective reaction to the ultimate perceived state of overload. It just seems to me that when the mind believes it’s mega-overwhelmed it flips the switch on a perceptual filter, believing even the slightest additional bit of stimuli may lead to various degrees of psychic meltdown. Yes - it’s the mind in a powerful state of defense. Within this theoretical framework, the mind is trying to give itself a fighting chance to sort and process that with which it’s already wrestling, so it chooses to inhibit the sensory messages streaming in from one’s immediate internal and external experience.

Now, unfortunately, the mind’s fear circuitry is chugging along very independently and just as efficiently as its perceptual filter. So off go the alarms because the sensations experienced as a result of the mind’s work to defend itself, which may include derealization and depersonalization, are causing the alarm circuitry to freak. As a result, one flips into all-out panic mode, desperately trying to reestablish a sense of perceptual orientation and comfort. And that only makes things worse because it totally interrupts the mind’s immediate mission of managing thousands of cars at rush-hour. And so one is left with this ever-building traffic jam caused by two vehicles: an overloaded mind on the verge of meltdown and a very agitated and loudly rebellious fear circuitry. Needless to say, no one’s going anywhere.

I might also suggest that derealization and depersonalization may also present as a result of the mind being so consumed by its present overload, it simply can’t deliver perceptual accuracy in response to what the senses are bringing to the table. Don’t ever forget – this is all about how we receive self and the world. And there’s only so much of the mind to go around. Yes – it does have its limits.

Dr. V.S. Ramachandran, from his book, A Brief Tour of Human Consciousness: From Imposter Poodles to Purple Numbers (Pi Press, 2004), sets the table for his thoughts on derealization and depersonalization by mentioning two fascinating neurological disorders. The first, Capgras Delusion, is characterized by the patient being convinced a close family member or friend is an imposter. The patient has no problem grasping familiarity of appearance and behavior; however the relational significance just isn’t there, and the patient is fully aware of the disconnect. Ramachandran then mentions Cotard’s Syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by the patient believing she has lost everything, even parts of her body, and believes she may, indeed, be dead and is walking about as a corpse.

Ramachandran suggests derealization and depersonalization may well be caused by the same altered brain circuitry that brings on Capgras and Cotard’s, even to the point of referring to derealization and depersonalization as rather a “mini-Cotard’s.” In the face of a life-threatening emergency a piece of anatomy in the frontal lobe of the brain, the anterior cingulate (also involved in the processing of physical pain), becomes active. Its ensuing action pulls in the reins on the brain’s fear circuitry. As a result, disabling phenomena such as fear and anxiety fall by the wayside. But it doesn’t stop there, as the anterior cingulate then ramps-up alertness just in case we need to defend ourselves. Well, the bottom-line is we’re left in this emotionally void and hypervigilant state, and Dr. Ramachandran proposes we have but two alternatives to account for what’s happened: “The world just isn’t real,” presenting in the form of derealization, and “I’m not real,” presenting in the form of depersonalization. Go back several paragraphs to my description of my personal experience with depersonalization. One of my statements was, “I knew who he was, yet I didn’t.” Kaboom – what a fit.

I find all of this really very fascinating, especially when you consider that something that feels so horribly frightening, and that holds the potential to cause such major dysfunction, may actually be the mind’s naturally intended way of protecting itself. Indeed, the mind may be saying, “I’ve got a bit more than I can handle here – could someone please help me out?” To me, assigning a personality, if you will, to the mind gives its generated distressing phenomena a bit of softness and gentleness; making them seem so much less abysmal. I mean, it’s like the mind is this living, feeling being to which we can show compassion as it’s hurt, confused, worn-out, and desperately in need of rest and care. I really believe in this relationship with mind, and it’s my opinion the only thing that keeps us from realizing its fullest two-way potential is overcoming our misinterpretations and overreactions to the mind’s naturally occurring protective mechanisms. Yes - as soon as we sense the beginnings of sensations such as derealization or depersonalization, and the alarms sound, we think our way to exaggerated and inappropriate reactions. And it’s this dynamic that causes all the hubbub, not the perceptual alterations themselves.

Well, hey – that’s it for this writing. Hopefully you know a bit more than you knew coming in. And if derealization and/or depersonalization are tearing your life apart, here’s hoping for some insight and relief. Don’t ever forget – you are not going crazy! Keep an eye out for my article, Panic Attacks and Anxiety: Adios! to Derealization and Depersonalization. It’s a great bit of follow-up.

For full information on Panic attacks self help click here

Here is another article on panic attacks self help that you may find useful

When you experience a panic attack, your body goes into overdrive. Your body is sounding the alarm and your heart starts to race faster, your breathing becomes shallower and quicker and blood flows to the core of your body, leaving your extremities tingling.  

These sensations can be overwhelming and often only serve to increase the anxiety you are suffering with. Your body is prepared to fight or flee; this is an ancient survival instinct that kicks in when we feel cornered, vulnerable or scared. 

It is our body´s way of protecting us. These powerful sensations can´t simply be dismissed or wished away. They have to be fooled into thinking everything is okay even if your mind is telling you it´s not.  

People who suffer from panic attacks have these episodes strike them at unfortunate times and in unfortunate places. The stimulus that is causing the intense reactions is usually something that wouldn´t spark such an intense reaction in non anxiety sufferers. 

Panic attacks can be triggered by a meeting with the boss, speaking in front of others, meeting with your child´s teacher, going to the theater. There are so many reasons that someone might have an attack, it is important to examine your particular triggers. Is it crowded places, meeting with authority figures, or fear of embarrassment. 

Once you understand your triggers, you can more effectively work towards conquering them. 

What you don´t want to do is to avoid activities and people because of your panic attacks. Don´t put off that meeting with your child´s teacher for months because you don´t want to talk to her, don´t refuse a promotion because you know you will have to go to more speaking engagements. Avoiding activities because of your panic positions you to develop more severe anxiety problems.

There are many ways to deal with panicked responses besides medication. While prescriptions may be a solution for some people and some people have had great results with drugs like Paxil and Zoloft, many people don´t want to become dependent on prescription medications or deal with their potential side effects. 

There are ways, non-prescription ways to deal with panic which may better suit the needs of some anxiety sufferers.

Exercise is always a good place to start; it releases natural endorphins and provides an outlet for worry and aggression. It can also be a great self esteem booster and help you feel better about yourself. In addition, you can learn and utilize various relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing. All of these are a good way to spread positive vibes throughout your mind and body, triggering your body´s natural relaxation response.

Another great way to deal with the negative effects of panic attacks is to redirect your negative thoughts into positive ones. This is a simple premise but it takes practice and work to execute effectively. 

Essentially you are turning your thoughts away from obsessing on doom and gloom and all the potential things that can go wrong in a given situation to focusing on prior successes in similar situations or the positive outcomes that might be achieved.  By actively and consciously changing your thought pattern, you will lessen the natural physical response that your body goes through when feeling panicked.

For full information on Panic attacks self help click here

Here is another article on panic attacks self help that you may find useful

Hypnotherapy has been used as a treatment for different types of physical and mental conditions for a long time now. It has been more than thousand of years now that this therapy is utilized throughout a variety of cultures. In the mid 20th century, modernized version of it was introduced as a medical technique. This was supported by both American as well as British medical Association.

When it comes to panic attacks, there are several ways hypnotherapy can work. In fact, the therapy has been proved helpful in several cases of panic attacks and individuals have been extremely happy with the performance and its effects.

It is sad but true that about one third of American population has already suffered form a panic attack at least once at same point of time in their life. There are several reasons for this. One of the main reasons remains ignorance about the disease, symptoms and treatment options.

One of the most effective options is hypnotherapy. It will help a person to cope up with panic attacks very efficiently. The treatment is fast  and does not leave a negative impact on the patient. The technique helps the person to experience relaxation in a positive and quick pace. 

Hypnotherapy has been extremely successful in teaching panic attack sufferer a brand new way to think as well as behave. There are a lot of breathing exercises and visualizations included in the technique in order to make the sufferer fearless.

The latest accepted technique of hypnotherapy for curing panic attacks is known as hypo- analysis or Analytical Hypnotherapy. This herapy is extremely focused as well as intensive type of talk therapy that helps a patient to be in a safe as well as secure environment. Thereafter it makes the patient travel through the process of identifying as well as underlying cause of patients phobia, anxiety or panic attacks. The process is carried out via using hypnosis.

Once the ulterior cause of panic or anxiety is identified and minimized, all symptoms associated to it would reduce dramatically.

The process of treatment that utilizes this therapy can take a long time and may also be heavier on your pocket. However, the process is extremely effective and facilitates the patient to undergo a self analyzation as well as understand the actual source of fear and anxiety.

A lot of studies have reported success of hypnotherapy in curing panic attacks. Many researches have even suggested effectiveness in helping patients get rid of panic attack.

Experts recommend to try some sessions of hypnotherapy to experience its effectiveness. This will help you get a feel of whether it gives you any impact on your sense of anxiety and well being.

Panic attacks can be quite uncomfortable, abnormal, scary and even stop you from carrying out your daily life activities.

Turning to hypnotherapy will surely help you achieve your goals. It will provide you a life that’s free of any kind of panic or anxiety attack.

For full information on Panic attacks self help click here

Here is another article on panic attacks self help that you may find useful

When experiencing a panic attack, it usually happens with no warning and may result from no noticeable cause. Symptoms of panic attacks include numbness in the hands, perceptual distortions, shortness of breath, hot flushes, fear of dying and accelerated heartbeat, to name but a few. Some people suffer from several of these symptoms while other individuals may only experience two or three.
This does not mean that the one individual suffers from a more severe form of panic attack than another, it simply means that some people’s brains respond differently to varying situations. When experiencing panic attacks on a continual basis, whether it is once a day or once a month, it is essential that one seeks safe and effective forms of treatment. Panic attack disorder is treatable in various forms and, as with any disorder, the selection of treatment is based on how severe the disorder is and the individual’s own physiology.
One of the most reliable and trusted forms of panic attack treatment comes in the form of psychotherapy. Many individuals who undergo psychotherapy treatment experience a huge reduction in panic attacks and in many instances, the panic attacks never return. Other forms of panic attack treatment include the use of medication, or a combination of both psychotherapy treatment and medication.
Proven studies have shown that many individuals who suffer from depression and drug abuse have panic disorder, therefore, treating the root of the problem would entail that individuals are not only assisted in relieving their panic attacks but are also assisted with other mental and behavioral problems.
Panic attack treatments in the form of cognitive and behavioral forms involve assistance from a trained therapist to help the client locate the source of the panic attacks and assist with the surrounding behavioral and mental problems that may have triggered them, such as depression. Many counselors who are skilled in their field of work will be able to produce an effective treatment environment where the client will be able to overcome the panic disorder and its related symptoms and problems.
Many times, a panic attack treatment that is utilized is the use of prescription medications. Although found to treat the cause of the panic attacks and to help the individual to relax and feel comfortable in anxiety provoking situations, this form of medication has side-effects, one of its main disadvantages. Many people who utilize anti-depressants feel other than their normal self, for example, they may experience constant fatigue and worry, sometimes even hyperactivity. Research, however, has shown that most forms of anxiety treatments work to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and remove the anxiety disorder within a period of 3-8 weeks.
For a more natural approach, a variety of natural cures and remedies are also available. Ranging from simple behavior modifications to herbal remedies, they can be as effective as other panic attack treatments, without any harmful side effects. Suffering from anxiety disorder should therefore not consume your whole life. With the wide variety of treatments available, people suffering from panic attacks have a very good chance at resolving the problem and leading normal, panic-attack free lives.

For full information on Panic attacks self help click here

Here is another article on panic attacks self help that you may find useful

What causes panic attacks? Why do some people have them and some don´t? Why do they happen at certain times and not others? These are just a few of the questions that race through the mind of anxiety sufferers.There are so many questions pertaining to why, that you could spend your life obsessing over it. One of the reasons that you may be experiencing extreme problems with fear, stress and worry is that you fuel your body´s apprehension with a lot of negativity.Negative self talk are the things we tell ourselves that are not helpful, not motivating and quite often paralyzing. We can´t do this; everyone will think we´re crazy if we even suggest it; don´t wear red, someone might notice you. These are just some of the notions that flood through anxiety sufferers minds.Another panic inducing thought begins with “what if” followed by hundred or thousands of terrible, catastrophic scenarios. What if I talk to my boss about a raise and he fires me. What if I ask that girl out on the second floor and she says no and tells everyone about it? What if people laugh at me? What if I give a presentation and trip on the way to the podium? What if, what if, what if….These two little words have the ability to steal the confidence of anyone but particularly a panic attack sufferer.Eliminating this self doubt from your thoughts can go along way towards reducing any anxiety you might experience when you encounter a difficult or unusual event during the day. Negative thoughts make you doubt your abilities and avoid certain tasks and activities. Reverse this trend by eliminating these thoughts and replacing them with more positive thoughts.Take a few moments and think about some of your negative thoughts. Write a few done. Make your list!!!For example, you could write I can´t speak in front of others or I am a weakling. Look at your statements. Is there any basis for what have you written. Analyze it carefully and critically, not emotionally. For example, if you wrote that you can´t speak in front of others, think about whether that is really true. Don´t you speak to other people all the time, to your friends, to your family, maybe even to your classroom when you were in school?What if you wrote down you are afraid of tripping in front of other people and as a result, you constantly tell yourself, don´t trip, don´t trip….. What is the likelihood of you actually tripping if you are wearing appropriate shoes? But more than that, what is the worst that could happen if you trip? You skin your knee? Life will go on.To counter panic attacks, you need to begin with the negative self talk that is fueling your worry and anxiety. Analyze the negative thought, consider them as you would a problem at work or in school and determine the likelihood and consequences of such a thing happening.Often, you will find your worries are quite overblown and not necessary in your day to day life. Try to think of positive thoughts that you can build yourself up with throughout the day, such as “I can do it”.

For full information on Panic attacks self help click here