Panic Attacks and Anxiety: Adios! to Derealization and Depersonalization

By Mark B

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For those who’ve read my previous article, Panic Attacks and Anxiety: Derealization and Depersonalization - You Aren’t Going Crazy!, this is the perfect follow-up scoop. But if you’ve yet to read it, not to worry, there’s still much to be learned here.

Now, in review, derealization and depersonalization all too often accompany panic attacks and anxiety. In general terms, derealization is a frightening feeling of detachment from one’s external environment, and depersonalization is an equally as frightening sense of detachment from self. Both can be absolutely crippling and take you to the turnstiles of your perception of insanity.

I believe many researchers and theorists would concur that within the context of panic and anxiety, derealization and depersonalization may well be the mind’s self-protective reaction to the ultimate perceived state of overload. See, it goes like this – when the mind feels it’s mega-overwhelmed it flips the switch on a perceptual filter, believing even the slightest additional bit of in-coming stimuli may lead to various degrees of psychic meltdown. Within this theoretical framework, it’s all about the mind in a powerful state of defense, doing all it can to give itself a fighting chance to sort and process that with which it’s already wrestling. So it only makes sense that it tries to survive by inhibiting and prohibiting fresh sensory messages streaming in from one’s immediate internal and external experience. And the resultant mind states are dominated by derealization and depersonalization.

Now, as we approach delivering a knockout punch to derealization and depersonalization it’s important to always keep in mind that, as I said in the previous paragraph, both of these sensations are born of the mind’s effort to protect itself. And the very cool thing about this notion is it leads us to the unique understanding that the mind has – well – a personality of its own. Furthermore, this personality is all too often negatively impacted by the mind being overwhelmed and in great mental and emotional pain. To me, this brings to the fore a “personality of mind,” giving the hellish protection-generated sensations of derealization and depersonalization rather a bit of softness and gentleness, making them seem so much less treacherous. I mean, it’s like the mind is this living, feeling being that actively communicates with us, so often asking for help. And we, in turn, have the opportunity to provide compassion and relief.

Alrighty then – so let’s move on to what one can do to make these horrifying, but now familiar and much less terrifying, phenomena go bye-bye. First of all, if one is willing to accept derealization and depersonalization as mind-protecting phenomena, it only stands to reason that their appearance – more importantly, disappearance – will be greatly influenced by our ability to maintain balanced and tolerable loads in our mental/emotional wheel barrel. And this is accomplished by stress management, which is so often driven by how we monitor and adjust our processes of thought. Now, of course, in many cases high levels of stress, and resultant anxiety, can’t be avoided – that’s just life. But we still hold the ability to manage their intensity and fallout by keeping tabs on how we think and subsequently react. It’s a matter of maintaining enlightened perspective and calm as our reasoned powers of interpretation have time to take the stage after the panic alarms have sounded.

Allow me to reiterate, there’s no doubt that the best first strategy to keep derealization and depersonalization at bay is to do all we can to maintain management over our stress and anxiety levels. Whether it’s through relaxation, visualization, diet, guided imagery, exercise, job or school change, relationship change, lifestyle change, therapy – or my techniques of interpreaction, interpreversal, S.A.I.L., S.P.A., I.A.M. not F.E.A.R. – whatever – we must do what it takes to stay self-managed on a day-in and day-out basis. If we do this, not only will we be able to keep derealization and depersonalization at arm’s length, but should they strike and the alarms sound, we’ll be able to cruise our way past any exaggerated and inappropriate reactions. See – it’s our misinterpretations and overreactions that cause the problems, not derealization and depersonalization. How ‘bout that thought?

And as we’re approaching all of this, let’s not dismiss the concept of the mind having a personality and its expression of its need for “some love” through the frightening sensations of derealization and depersonalization. To me, as we accept this seemingly strange notion we apply a very soothing balm upon a potentially fevered mind. And this very much relates to the concept of mindfulness – a clear-minded, in-the-present-moment, self-observational technique that emphasizes viewing self as an outside observer – without criticism or judgment.

Okay – but let’s say in spite of our self-management efforts, derealization or depersonalization make a surprise visit. Ya’ ready? First and foremost – just stop whatever it is you’re doing. If you’re driving, pull over when you can. If you’re in a meeting, take a break. Heck – take a walk, if you’d like. Now, take a few full abdominal breaths, and as you take them immediately tell yourself that the one and only thing happening right now is your mind telling you it’s operating on overload and needs a little help. It’s talking with you, and that’s pretty cool. Nothing dangerous, without a reason, or permanent is happening to you. And since you know what’s going on, and why, take some time to communicate with your mind, letting it know you’re there for it and will do whatever it takes to provide aid and comfort. Visualize your mind as if you’re looking at it from outside of your physical self (a healthy “out-of-body” experience). And as you do, visualize your mind very nicely calming down. Simply open yourself to a spirit of insight and reason, as you employ relaxation techniques, guided imagery, visualization, the strategies I’ve mentioned before, or anything that’s worked for you in the past. And as you’re keeping yourself together, know that as soon as you get your sea-legs back, moving on with your day is the next order of business. It’s this thinking and believing that keeps the alarm from increasing in decibels, and keeps it from sounding in the future.

Yes – it’s this mindset, along with a few victories, that will enable you to function in the presence of derealization and depersonalization, allowing you to explore these uncomfortable states, accumulating insight along the way. And I’m betting you’ll find that this philosophy, as well as time-proven strategies and techniques, will keep these icky sensations at bay – period. It’s all about making peace with derealization and depersonalization - indeed, making the best of an initially perceived unpleasant situation. I mean, who knows what kind of inner secrets could be unveiled upon exploration of our altered states of perception and consciousness. And I’ll tell you this – establishing a level of insight and comfort with a nemesis is a great way to remove any potential threat. But, make sure you identify the true nemesis. In this case, it’s not derealization and depersonalization, rather our misinterpretation and overreaction to a foreign perceptual experience.

From tons of experience I can tell you that you must ride out episodes of derealization and depersonalization. As was said earlier, if and when they pop onto the scene, acknowledge they’re there and calmly tell yourself they’re not a permanent state of consciousness and will shortly pass – that is if you stay cool. Remind yourself that your mind is overloaded and it’s talking with you, asking for a little help. And do a friend a favor. Just use any intervention strategy and technique you’ve come across, including those presented in my book, and go on about your business and your day, as no one will have a clue as to what you’re going through. I’ll go you one better. I’m challenging you to welcome derealization and depersonalization as they arrive, and dive right in to some intrapersonal exploration in their presence. Wouldn’t that be an interesting twist? And how disarming would it be to the all out dread and fear these sensations traditionally generate.

Ah – the mysteries and miseries of derealization and depersonalization. Nothing with which we can’t peacefully coexist. Go get ‘em, tiger!

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Medication For Panic Attacks – Is Medication Really All That Effective?

By Mark B

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Medication for panic attacks is usually your doctor’s first line treatment option. They may also suggest some complimentary therapy, and even some self-help therapies. Medication for panic attacks is chemical-based and can work pretty well, although they can have some dreadful side effects. Here, we’ll discuss the pro’s and con’s of using medication.

Medications are used to either improve the ‘mood’, calm and relax, or, reduce the physical symptoms of panic attacks. Generally speaking, they work well enough for most people, which is why they are doctors’ usual first line of defence. Here are 3 broad groups of medications typically being prescribed today…

Anti-depressants are normally prescribed to control mood swings. They are a long term treatment and usually take some time to even start being effective (2 to 6 weeks). They work by managing and controlling the serotonin levels in the brain.  But, they can have various negative side effects like; insomnia, nausea, weight gain, sexual dysfunction.

Anti-anxiety medication is used to relax and calm you by slowing down your central nervous system. Minor tranquilizers can be used for panic attacks because they can act fairly fast, e.g. within 8 to 10 minutes. These can also have bad side effects, things such as; drowsiness, slurred speech, dizziness, headaches, nausea, etc. And they can be addictive if over prescribed. 

Beat -blockers control the physical symptoms of panic attacks, the shaking and tremors. They don’t affect mood or calm you down. They can have some side effects too, e.g. short term memory loss, insomnia, diarrhea, nightmares.

You can see that drug-based medication can be beneficial and some can work work quite quickly, especially for panic attacks. But they do have some side effects, and maybe more importantly, only work on the ‘symptoms’ not the underlying causes for panic attacks. Once you are finished a course of medication, there is no guarantee that the attacks won’t come back again and again.

The alternative to medication are therapies like psychotherapy, counseling, hypnotherapy, group therapy, self-hypnosis, meditation, etc. And whilst these can be effective for some people, they only help you cope with your disorder, not cure it.

But, even with medication and alternative therapies, one of the greatest problems in achieving a cure for panic attacks is that the very fear of an attack can trigger one. That’s right, your fear alone can help cause a panic attack.

Unfortunately, neither medication nor alternative therapies can help you here: they either work on the symptoms or help you cope with your problem. You have to find a way to get rid of your fear of another attack, in order to prevent one ever happening again.

There is a simple technique to help you do this. You can discover the facts here http://eliminatepanicattacks.blogspot.com. You’ll also see the various stages of a panic attack on video.

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The Symptoms Of A Panic Attack and How to Stop Them

By Mark B

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Symptoms Of A Panic Attack and How to End ThemIf you have ever experienced symptoms of a panic attack, you know how very frightening it can be. And although there is no REAL cause for concern, once you begin to feel that panic, the symptoms of a panic attack are uncontrollable. Although symptoms of a panic attack are usually found in people between the ages of twenty and thirty, they can also be found in young children. Some people believe that the feeling of anxiety is brought on by many different stressful events simultaneously. After a severe case of depression, anxiety may become an issue. Many researchers have come to the conclusion that genetics may play an important factor. Their studies have indicated that 25% of patients who suffer from severe panic attacks have a close family relative with similar symptoms of a panic attack. Some people who suffer from symptoms of a panic attack may experience repeated attacks on a regular basis. These attacks produce the feeling of intense fear and create a number of physical problems such as dizziness, shortness of breath, increase in heart rate, and nausea. People may believe that they are losing control of their minds, that they are dying and expect nothing but doom. And in some cases, the symptoms of a panic attack are so intense, that people believe that they are having a heart attack. Symptoms of a panic attack can greatly effect the way a person lives and performs daily tasks. A lot of individuals that suffer from recurring panic attacks spend their time worrying when they will have the next one. They can develop phobias that they never had before, for example, a fear of crowds, being outside, or any location that is public where an attack can happen. In extreme cases of severe panic, sufferers experience a self imposed isolation. They remain alone in their home because they are too fearful to venture out in public. Symptoms of a panic attack rob people of the ability to enjoy life. If you or somebody close to you is suffering from any form of anxiety or panic disorder, there is information and people who are experienced that can be of help. Never try to help yourself through self-medication with drugs, it will only worsen the situation. If you, or someone you know, experience repeated bouts of fear, concern, or apprehension of everyday activities, do something about it now. Get your life back. You can overcome your fear and anxiety right now! For additional details on the final solution to beat the symptoms of a panic attack, go to Panic Attack Cure.

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Self-Help for Panic Attacks – Cure Them Now

By Mark B

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

   Reduce Your Frenzied Attack Complaints Recurring panic convulsion are the evident features of panic convulsion. Panic attacks are unexpected and intense feelings of threat, fear or concern without the sign of actual danger. The symptoms of a panic attack commonly happen suddenly, culminate within 10 minutes and then recede. Nevertheless, some fits may last longer or may take place in continuity, making it challenging to find when one attack ceases and another starts .  But, there are some steps you can choose that may hold back a panic attack from intensifying out-of-control and subdue your comprehensive concern.  Practice Conscious inhaling Usually individuals are not really self-conscious about the way they are inhaling, but when people are anxious they incline to inhale fast, light breaths that come straight from the lungs. This symptom of respiration is diagonized thoracic or chest breathing. Chest breathing causes an overturn in the oxygen and carbon dioxide values in the body, ensuing in increased pulse rate, giddiness,  muscle tension and other physical sensations.  Learn Progressive Muscle Relaxation  Progressive muscle loosening (PMR) is a stress and anxiety management . If you have panic disorder, agoraphobia or some other type of anxiety disorder, you may get frequent muscle tension. In Point Of Fact, regular muscle tension may be so involuntary that it seems natural, and you may not realize what it experiences like when your muscular tissues are totally slackened. By engaging the progressive muscle relaxation technique, you will be conditioned to promptly rediscover the differences between relaxation method and tenseness of various muscle groups.  Use a Self-Modification Curriculum  Self motivation programmes focus on helping people handle discarded or dysfunctional behavioral responses when dealing with their problems. For example, if you have panic attacks as a result of panic disorder, a common abnormal behavioral response is dodging. Unfortunately, keeping off negative situations does not help in your recovery from PD.  Use a Panic Diary  If you suffer panic disorder or agoraphobia, a panic diary may help you to realize your panic symptom triggers and your reactions to anxiety-provoking periods. It is normally best to record in your panic diary as you are experiencing (or shortly thereafter) pre-existing anxiety or a panic approach.  Discipline Your Coping Techniques  If you have panic disorderliness, agoraphobia or other anxiety disorder, anxiety -provoking attacks may come on a regularly. Enhancing and rectifying your resisting techniques can help you deal with them.

Read more and watch a free video Click Here now.

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Are You Living in Fear of Your Next Panic Attack?

By Mark B

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

You´re terrified that any minute your next panic attack will strike. These worries consume your day, completing tasks is difficult, going new places almost impossible. What will trigger your next panic attack and how can you avoid it?

These questions consume your thoughts and influence your actions. Walking around plagued by these thoughts can be extremely disconcerting but it is what passes through the minds of many panic attack sufferers. 

Such overwhelming feelings and fears can make completing even simple daily tasks a challenge.  Suddenly we become forgetful, distracted, unfocused. Since you are so worried about having a panic attack, your levels of anxiety are so high that you are probably suffering from generalized anxiety as well or even agoraphobia. 

Driving a car, going to a new place, performing your responsibilities at work or at home can suddenly take on epic quality. Some people become so terrified of the unfamiliar and its potential to trigger a panic attack that they refuse to leave their safe zone or places they are familiar with. 

These people have developed agoraphobia and if this situation describes you, take comfort, you´re not alone and you can do something about it.

Whatever your present state of panic, anxiety or agitation, you can manage and eliminate your panic attacks as well as your resulting fear, anxiety or agoraphobia. There are important proactive steps that can get you started now on the road to a panic free life.

Imagine living your life free from the worry over your next impending panic attack, free from the anxiety that accompanies these feelings and free from the fear that seems so overwhelming. 

You can deal with you panic attacks and eliminate your anxiety as long as you are willing to try some panic attack management techniques. The most important step in eliminating your panic attacks is to end your fear of having panic attacks

This is probably not the first step in your journey to panic attack elimination, it may even be your last. But by getting rid of the anticipatory fear of your next panic attack, it will greatly reduce your likelihood of having one. 

This means you confront anxiety provoking situations head on because this eliminates the need to worry about them. It is the anxious thoughts coursing through your mind that trigger your panic attacks. You have to jump into the storm to get over your fear of the storm. 

There are many techniques that you can use to help build your confidence to the point where you are able to confront and eliminate your fear.

• An exercise program and proper diet are a first step. 

• Learning abdominal breathing exercises and meditation or yoga are important relaxation techniques to help you cope.

• Training your mind to see the good in things rather than the bad and creating positive affirmations for yourself that help you have the self confidence to confront uncertain situations are other important strategies. 

By building up your self confidence, strengthening your self esteem and providing you with techniques to manage your anxiety you will have the courage to confront and eliminate your panic attacks.

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