How to Deal with Panic Attacks
Although only about 5% of people the world over will experience panic attacks in their lifetime, it can be extremely scary and disturbing not only for the person experiencing them but also for those in close vicinity. Panic attacks are normally associated with an emotional or mental reaction toward a set of circumstances, when coming together cause a person an intense amount of stress. Some people may have a panic attack because of a fear of suffocation, a fear of dying or anything that would greatly distress the individual.
A series of severe panic attacks could be a sign of an underlying panic or anxiety disorder and, since the attacks could be sudden, they could cause the sufferer to live in fear of other impending attacks. People suffering from this disorder will usually start to develop it in their mid 20’s. Since panic disorders are very closely related possible mental instability there a huge number of individuals that conceal their condition due to the social stigma that it entails as it could affect their family as well as professional lives.
Signs Symptoms of Panic Attacks
Panic attacks have a varying length and can last between 5 minutes to 25 minutes, at times only being nullified on medical intervention. Symptoms that a person is about to have a panic disorder may show some of the following symptoms – trembling or shaking, sweating profusely, a feeling of shortness of breath, being smothered or choking, a feeling of dizziness or light headedness, severe chest pain or discomfort, a fear of losing control or dying along with chills or hot flashes.
Cure for Panic Attacks
There is no defined cure for panic attacks but, since they are largely born out of stress, there are a few simple steps one can take to make sure the condition does not overly destabilize their way of life. As with almost any other condition, it is essential to get a good amount exercise, cigarettes and intake of alcohol should be substantially reduced if not completely stopped. If you feel a panic attack coming on and you sense that you are breathing faster, try to slow down your breathing by breathing into a paper bag. It is also important for you to have an emotional crutch to lean on in times of stress or emotional breakdown. This will help you to deal with the situation so confiding in a friend, loved one or professional therapist is of prime importance.
