Preventing Panic Attacks and Keeping Your Anxiety in Check
By Mark B
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Anxiety is a normal reaction to things that tend to frighten you or when you feel uncertain or overly stressed. Often anxiety brings sweating, muscle tension and an increased heart rate with it. Anxiety increases when you have financial problems, work problems or family problems.
Here are a few methods that you can use to control your anxiety levels and also use in preventing panic attacks as well:
1. Learn a Variety of Breathing Exercises
When you start to have a panic attack your breathing gets faster and it can develop an irregular pattern. When you are calm, your breathing slows down and its rhythm returns to normal. One thing that helps keep anxiety under control is deep relaxing breaths. By learning a few deep breathing methods you will be taking important steps to controlling your anxiety. Take a long slow breath and count to ten then slowly exhale. Practice doing this until it becomes second nature.
2. Take Action
One of the best responses to a raising anxiety level and preventing panic attacks is to take action and try to calm yourself down. First you will want to identify the exact cause of your stress and, if you can, write down what it is that is bothering you. When your anxiety has subsided, look at the problem that caused your stress and try to come up with ways that you can keep the problem from arising again. By taking responsibility for your anxiety and trying to solve your problems, you might find that it will go away completely!
3. Learn to Let Go
Instead of focusing on the things that scare you or cause anxiety, learn to look past them and focus on the things that keep you calm. Some call this “finding a happy place.” Listening to certain music, prayer, exercise or even simply relaxing with a good book are all methods of letting go.
4. Improve Your Self Esteem
Anxiety is often rooted in self doubt or insecurity. By thinking positive and learning to recognize your strengths you can play to those strengths and greatly reduce the insecurities that have been plaguing you. This is also an area when therapy can prove to be very helpful in the curbing of anxiety and panic. Learn not to criticize yourself but, instead, to tell yourself that the next attempt will be better.
5. Find a Support Group
Sharing your feelings with people who understand what you are going through is also a wonderful way to work through your stress and anxiety. There are plenty of anxiety and panic attack support groups available if you are interested in joining one. Finding encouragement from others who have anxiety problems can help you to realize that you are not alone, which will help you keep it under control.
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Symtoms of Anxiety and Panic Attacks
By Mark B
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If you suffer from…* Palpitations* a pounding heart, or an accelerated heart rate* Sweating* Trembling or shaking* Shortness of breath* A choking sensation* Chest pain or discomfort* Nausea or stomach cramps* Derealization (a feeling of unreality)* Fear of losing control or going crazy* Fear of dying Numbness or a tingling sensation* Chills or hot flashes…then you’ve experienced firsthand some of the possible symptoms of a panic or anxiety attack. If you are reading this page because a loved one suffers from these symptoms and you are trying to understand or help, it’s hard to appreciate what they go through.Just try to imagine what it feels like to experience one, if you can.Here is a typical example:Standing in a supermarket queue, it’s been a long wait but only one customer to go before you make it to the cashier. Wait, what was that sensation? An unpleasant feeling forms in your throat, your chest feels tighter, now a sudden shortness of breath, and what do you know—your heart skips a beat. “Please, God, not here.”A quick scan of the territory—is it threatening? Four unfriendly faces queue behind, one person in front. Pins and needles seem to prick you through your left arm, you feel slightly dizzy, and then the explosion of fear as you dread the worst. You are about to have a panic attack.There is no doubt in your mind now that this is going to be a big one. Okay, focus: Remember what you have been taught, and it is time now to apply the coping techniques. Begin the deep breathing exercise your doctor recommended. In through the nose, out through the mouth.Think relaxing thoughts, and again, while breathing in, think “Relax,” and then breathe out. But it doesn’t seem to be having any positive effect; in fact, just concentrating on breathing is making you feel self-conscious and more uptight.Okay, coping technique 2:Gradual muscle relaxation. Tense both shoulders, hold for 10 seconds, then release. Try it again. No; still no difference. The anxiety is getting worse and the very fact that you are out of coping techniques worsens your panic. If only you were surrounded by your family, or a close friend were beside you so you could feel more confident in dealing with this situation.Now, the adrenaline is really pumping through your system, your body is tingling with uncomfortable sensations, and now the dreaded feeling of losing complete control engulfs your emotions. No one around you has any idea of the sheer terror you are experiencing. For them, it’s just a regular day and another frustratingly slow queue in the supermarket.You are out of options. Time for Plan C.The most basic coping skill of all is “fleeing.” Excuse yourself from the queue; you are slightly embarrassed as it is now that it is your turn to pay. The cashier is looking bewildered as you leave your shopping behind and stroll towards the door. There is no time for excuses—you need to be alone. You leave the supermarket and get into your car to ride it out alone. Could this be the big one? The one you fear will push you over the edge mentally and physically. Ten minutes later the panic subsides.It’s 10:30 a.m. How are you going to make it through the rest of the day?If you suffer from panic or anxiety attacks, the above scenerio probably sounds very familiar. It may have even induced feelings of anxiety and panic just reading it. The particular situations that trigger your panic and anxiety may differ; maybe the bodily sensations are a little different. Or maybe it happened to you for the first time on a plane, in the dentist chair, or even at home, while doing nothing in particular.If you have ever had what has become known as a “panic attack,” take comfort in the fact that you are by no means alone.A panic attack always comes with the acute sense of impending doom. You feel you are either about to lose your mind or one of your vital bodily functions is about to cease functioning and you will end your days right there among the canned goods and frozen food.You are by no means alone; you’re not even one in a million. In America, it is estimated that almost 5% of the population suffer from some form of anxiety disorder. For some, it may be the infrequent panic attacks that only crop up in particular situations-like when having to speak in front of others, while, for other people, it can be so frequent and recurring that it inhibits them from leaving their home. Frequent panic attacks often develop into what medical physicians refer to as an “anxiety disorder.”One of the first steps to regaining control of your life is getting helpful information. This site will give you that, and more.The beginning of your recovery starts here. What you will learn is that there is a very good chance you are about to end the cycle of panic attacks in your life. You will learn not only to regain the carefree life you remember once having, but will also gain new confidence in living. Your answer to living free from “panic” or “anxiety attacks” is at hand.This site demonstrates that the panic and anxiety that you have experienced will be the very key to your courage and success.Begin the road to recovery by browsing through the site. While many of you may have read almost everything you can possibly read relating to panic and anxiety I assure you this site offers something very effective.Did you know…?The key difference between someone who is cured of panic attacks and those who are not is really very simple. The people who are cured no longer fear panic attacks. I’ll try to show you how to be one of these people as well.What if I told you the trick to ending panic and anxiety attacks is to want to have one. That sounds strange, even contradictory, but let me explain.The trick to panic attacks is wanting to have one-the wanting pushes it away. Can you have a panic attack in this very second? No!You know the saying that “what you resist, persists.” Well that saying applies perfectly to fear. If you resist a situation out of fear, the fear around that issue will persist. How do you stop resisting–you move directly into it, into the path of the anxiety, and by doing so it cannot persist.In essence what this means is that if you daily voluntarily seek to have a panic attack, you cannot have one. Try in this very moment to have a panic attack and I will guarantee you cannot. You may not realize it but you have always decided to panic. You make the choice by saying this is beyond my control.Another way to appreciate this is to imagine having a panic attack as like standing on a cliff’s edge. The anxiety seemingly pushes you closer to falling over the edge.To be rid of the fear you must metaphorically jump. You must jump off the cliff edge and into the anxiety and fear and all the things that you fear most.How do you jump? You jump by wanting to have a panic attack. You go about your day asking for anxiety and panic attacks to appear.Your real safety is the fact that a panic attack will never harm you. That is medical fact. You are safe, the sensations are wild but no harm will come to you. Your heart is racing but no harm will come to you. The jump becomes nothing more than a two foot drop! Perfectly safe.
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Drug-free Approach to Anxiety and Panic Attacks
By Mark B
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It’s quite normal to feel anxious when handling certain situations such as making big decisions or sitting exams, but for some, anxiety attacks occur when handling situations that most of us would just take in our stride.
These can cause so much distress that sufferers cannot live a normal life
Of course there are many drugs and prescription medications that your doctor will be able to provide, but many people prefer natural methods of coping with anxiety attacks.
Here are some top tips for coping with panic and anxiety attacks:
* Breathe slowly and deeply through your nose, not your mouth. It is no longer thought safe to suggest re-breathing into a paper bag; this could cause oxygen starvation.
* Try this exercise: stand near to a wall, put your hand on it and hold your breath, then push as hard a possible, keeping your breath held for as long as possible. This tightens your muscles and can reduce anxiety.
* Most people feel less anxious in the outdoors. Listening to the birds, watching the sea, a river, or even just a pond or a tropical fish tank can be very soothing. A walk in a park or garden smelling the flowers can help relaxation and fight stress. You may even find that a screen-saver using a natural scene is helpful.
* Make a list of your problems, then crumple the paper into a ball and either stand on it, or burn it.
* Yoga is a great stress-buster, which can be practiced by anyone. It will improve mental and physical ability, and boost self-confidence. But you need to go to a class for maximum benefit and to learn the correct techniques.
* Is a poor diet contributing to your anxiety attacks? Caffeine, sugar and diet sodas all contribute to raised blood sugar. Eat less saturated fats, as anxiety attacks are more common in the overweight.
* Find a hobby you enjoy. A creative hobby is better still. The concerns of day-to-day life can melt away when you throw your heart and soul into a hobby you enjoy. Spend time alone and at peace.
* Relax with a good film or a good book. Either can transport you away from the stresses of the world.
* Aromatherapy involves inhaling essential oils, or in some cases applying them direct to the skin. Essential oils can be added to a relaxing bath. Lavender, one of just two essential oils that can be applied to the skin undiluted, has a very relaxing effect. While aromatherapy can be practiced as a self-help therapy, you would be wise to consult a qualified practitioner in the first instance to produce a blend specifically for you.
* Acupuncture targets specific points in the body to promote healing, and has been proven beneficial for anxiety disorders. Unlike aromatherapy this isn’t a self-help technique as you will need to consult a licensed practitioner. Be sure this person is registered with a reputable professional body and will observe good hygiene practices.
* Talking things over with someone trustworthy may bring closure to unresolved worries and resentments. But be careful who you talk to – ideally a completely disinterested third-party, or at least someone completely divorced from the situation that’s causing you anxiety. Counselors or Cognitive Behavioral Therapists are highly recommended to help reduce the occurrence of panic attacks.
* Many herbal products have benefits for panic and anxiety symptoms. Consult a qualified herbalist – this is not an area where self-help is advised.
Before implementing any change in physical activity or diet, check it out with your medical doctor. If he or she is unsympathetic to anything other than medication, consider getting a second opinion preferably from an integrative medicine physician.
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Agoraphobia: How Did I Go From Panic Attacks To This?
By Mark B
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The consequences of agoraphobia are astronomical. Most people do not realize the impact this disorder can have; unless of course they or someone they love suffers from it.
But how does agoraphobia start? What is it exactly? Let us begin by discussing panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of impending doom or intense dread that spring from nowhere.
The sufferer may be having a great time when suddenly she feels an intense and overwhelming fear. Her body reacts to that fear just as it would to any other extreme threat.
She may feel her heart pound rapidly, or feel as though she cannot breathe. Some people report having fears of dying or going crazy. There is an indescribable need to escape.
Obviously that is a very uncomfortable period of time. Sufferers often attempt to alleviate the discomfort by escaping the current surroundings. This can result in very awkward exists to say the least.
Additionally, the sufferer feels that everyone around is aware of her frustration and distress. Many fear making a spectacle of themselves. Overtime one learns to associate panic attacks with particular settings and situations.
Unfortunately, many people feel that they are safest at home, as being in open spaces, public places, or crowded places are apparent culprits. This is how panic attacks can result in agoraphobia.
The sufferer discovers that home is a safe zone so she begins staying there more and more. Overtime she slowly becomes increasingly more housebound. Some victims are virtual prisoners in their own homes.
Five percent of the American population suffers from panic attacks, and of that five percent one in three will develop agoraphobia. Panic attacks are said to be three times more common in women than men; but there is debate about that.
Some argue that the statistics are wrong due to the fact that women are more likely to seek treatment. Men reportedly are more likely to self-medicate with drugs and or alcohol. It has been suggested that society is more willing to accept dependency and avoidant behavior in women than in men and therefore this trend is perpetual.
The good news is that new techniques have been discovered to help people that suffer with anxiety disorders. If you are seeking a method that will work for you do not give up hope. Instead, continue exploring the available information; take it from a former panic attack victim, there is help available.
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Panic Attack Tips
By Mark B
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Panic attacks are sudden feelings of overwhelming fear. They often occur without warning and sometimes without any clear cause. Symptoms can include a racing heartbeat, flushes or chills, dreamlike sensations, a fear of dying or losing control, difficulty breathing, visible shaking or tremors, dizziness and intense fear. While these are common symptoms of a panic attack, it is important to realize that there are other serious medical conditions with similar symptoms. If in doubt, get medical help immediately. Panic or anxiety attacks reach a peak very quickly and will slowly diminish over the next 30 minutes or so.
Repeated panic attacks without apparent cause may be an indication of panic disorder, a medical condition, but many panic attacks are associated with phobias. For example, those with a phobia to snakes may suffer the symptoms of a panic attack if they see a snake, even behind glass in a zoo. Others may experience problems during certain social situations.
Serious panic attacks are best treated by a doctor but here are seven tips to help you cope without prescription drugs:
1. Stay grounded in the present time. Think about what is happening now, not what might happen. If you find this difficult, give your self a simple mental task such as reciting multiplication tables or counting backwards from 100.
2. Realize that you feelings of panic are just that – feelings. Nothing bad is actually happening to you.
3. Do not fight the feeling, or tell them to go away. Just accept they are there and try and observe them as a third party. Watch them fade away. You realize that they are just a greatly exaggerated response by your body to minor stresses of everyday life.
4. Measure your stress. Give it a ranking from one to ten. Notice how the measurements change over time. It will fade away, just like the previous times.
5. Plan a diversion for your next attack. Slap yourself on your cheek, splash cold water on your face, or ping a rubber band on your wrist.
6. Breath normally. It’s easy to neglect correct breathing during an attack. Hyperventilating will only make the feelings worse.
7. Feel good about yourself. You will survive and learn to cope with panic and anxiety attacks. It really does get easier over time.
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December 4th, 2009
