Simple Steps to Stop Panic Attacks

With the increase in research and studies, there has been a lot of development in treatments that can stop panic attacks. The process is quite simple. The only thing you have to do is to stall the emergency signals being sent by your brain to your adrenalin glands. The tips below can help limit your anxiety and panic attacks initially and ultimately help you stop them altogether.

If you have panic attacks that are recurring, you can jot down the points on a piece of paper so that you can access them at any point. When you feel an attack coming on, take out the paper and put the directions into practice. Do this on a regular basis and very soon, you won’t need this referral at all.

•    Go for a total resolution- if your attacks are recurrent in nature, you owe to yourself to go for a comprehensive solution. Going for short term solutions will only result in short term results. Try these easy help tips at home. If your attacks are mild, you will get better with these. However, in case you cannot control your symptoms, go for professional help at the earliest. A number of professional panic and anxiety cure centers are available for your help.

•    The first step for you is to relax. Take deep, slow and complete breaths. We know that is easier said than done. However, you can and will improve with practice. This deep breathing will calm you immediately and stop the rush of adrenalin that causes most of the problems.
•    Consciously stop all negative thoughts. You can do this in a number of ways. You can focus on a happy thought, or say ‘stop’ consciously. When you do this, you are forcefully interrupting the emergency signals your brain is sending out.

•    Make use of coping statements. Anything that works for you is good enough. You can try negating the fear rushing through you with these statements. For instance, you can try saying ‘I’m not having a heart attack’ when you fear exactly such a thing. If you fear walking down a street, force yourself to think’ I walk down this street very often; nothing’s going to happen to me.’ Try it, it really helps! You could even try making a list of those thoughts that tend to make you panic and then write down their corresponding coping thoughts.

•    The final step that will really help you stop panic attacks is accepting that you have a problem. If you choose to neglect this problem, you are likely to carry on with it for the rest of your life. You can start your anxiety cure by identifying the emotions that cause these feelings of fear in you. Validate your fears by facing them head on. If you are scared of having a heart attack or being attacked on a lonely street, these are valid fears. You just need to learn how to cope with your reactions to these fears.

•    If you still feel that your reactions are hampering your normal activities, you need professional help and suitable panic disorder medication. The medication your doctor prescribes will depend on the severity of your symptoms and other aspects like frequency and duration of your attacks. Depending on these factors, you may be prescribed anti depressants, tranquilizers or other medications. It is important for you to remember that these are serious medications and are not to be taken casually.

•    Before you start off with them, have a frank and honest discussion with your doctor. Inform him about any other disorder or medical conditions you may be having. Ask him about the duration of the treatment and possible side effects you may experience. You need to be under constant review. As these medications can often cause serious and fatal side effects if they are taken without adequate supervision, you need to be in constant touch with your doctor. Also update your doctor about any possible side effects you may be experiencing. Do not change the time or dosage advised without the prior permission of your doctor. Remember, panic disorder medications need some time before you feel the difference. When it does, your life will be easier and you will feel more in control.