Combating Panic Attacks

By Author: Salome Delport
Total Articles: 15
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A large number of panic attack sufferers do not realize that they have an anxiety disorder. There is a ridiculous mentality in modern day society that abhors disorders, or lack of control in any way. The norm is to sweep all your imperfections under the carpet, and life is all about appearances and competition. No one wants to admit that they have a problem, and appear weak.

All this can make an anxiety attack so much more stressful. Being in a public place when one of these attacks occurs can be an extremely traumatic and embarrassing experience for the sufferer. With a bit of research this embarrassment can be alleviated, because the feeling of hopelessness and loneliness that this disorder brings will disappear. There are actually millions of people who suffer from panic disorders, and there are also many ways to treat and maintain the condition.

All this said, sometimes sufferers delay in seeking help and will continue to suffer from panic attacks. Sometimes, even whilst on medication and participating in therapy, a panic attack may still occur. The trick is to know how to keep the attack under control, and ...
... to learn to cope better.

After a number of attacks, you will begin to familiarize yourself with the symptoms and feelings associated with a panic attack. The first and most important thing is to realize and affirm that you are having a panic attack. Understand that thought and process it. Do not allow other thoughts to overcome you, such as thinking that you are dying, or having a heart attack. You may even find comfort in affirming and understanding that you are having a panic attack, because you will be grasping on the knowledge that it is NOT permanent and should only last a few minutes.

The best thing to do would be to try and lie down. It may be extremely difficult given how you feel, but just putting yourself in a resting position will help, even if only marginally. Close your eyes and focus on slow, even breathing. Try your best not to think of anything else, you don't even need to focus on being calm. Simply focus on the breaths you take.

If you feel you are not coping, and are alone and completely desperate, call an emergency squad. Do not feel embarrassed or silly about "wasting their time." They get calls like this all the time; you are not the only sufferer who they have helped!

The real trick in battling anxiety and future panic attacks is control. Ideally, you should seek out professional help. A professional doctor will assist you in therapy to help control your condition and you will maybe even be put onto prescription medication. Fear of an impending attack may actually aggravate an attack, so you need to have your thoughts under control. The knowledge that you are receiving professional help could help put your mind at ease. This is especially so if you have a counselor who has put reassurance into your mind that you are going to get your condition under control.
Are you not sure whether you are having a panic attack? Visit http://www.panicsymptoms.org to take a panic attack self test. You will also find guidance on various panic attack treatment options available to you.