Panic attacks can cause irritating problems in your life; they can affect the activities that you engage in, your behavior and the way you feel about yourself. The key to panic attacks is knowing how to manage them. This article has some suggestions on how you can keep your panic attacks under control so you can start living a more fulfilling and happy life.
A good night’s rest is important if you are a victim of panic attacks. Sleep deprivation can increase the probability of suffering a panic attack, and reduce the effectiveness of coping strategies. Always try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night.
An experienced counselor or therapist can help you manage your panic attacks. There are several reviews on the Internet to help you find a local therapist.
One crucial element in controlling the escalation of an anxiety attack is breathing deliberately and slowly when you start hyperventilating. Controlled breathing will make you more cognitive of what is going on with your body and in the environment, as well as work to reduce the level of intensity of the panic attack. The best approach is to take take deep breaths and get control of your breathing.
Speak to a counselor for an effective way to cope with panic attacks. Psychiatrists can help you determine the cause of your anxiety and help you modify your behavior. You might feel better just by knowing that someone will listen and do their best to help you.
Use a distraction to help you forget about panic attacks. For example, you could sing one of your favorite songs, play a game on your cell phone or study your shoelaces. Use any means possible to distract your attention from the oncoming panic. This strategy can help to prevent a full attack and get you feeling calm again.
When you feel a panic attack coming on, prepare yourself. Bend yourself to meet the attack instead of trying to stand against it, unyielding. Redirect the feelings of panic in your mind’s eye to have them flow past you instead of attacking you. Focus on controlling your breath above all else. Breathe slowly and evenly while trying to stay calm. Once your blood pressure starts to lower, your body will relax.
If you sense an episode starting to take hold, you are better off acknowledging its onset instead of denying it. The one change you should make is to focus on how you will feel after the attack is done, rather than focusing on negative feelings you are experiencing at that moment. Trying to resist an attack can increase you anxiety levels and make the attack worse. Accept that the attack is happening and stay calm. It will pass much quicker.
Now that you know how to deal with stress in a better way, you can get more self-confidence and enjoy your life. It is common for people to have panic attacks, but once you know how to deal with them, they do not have to take over your life.