Panic attacks happen suddenly and usually with no known cause. They creep up on you like a scary nightmare and take over your body for what seems like hours, but really is only a matter of minutes. You feel your chest tightening, you break into a cold sweat, your heart begins to race, the room starts to close in, and sometimes you are unable to get enough air into your lungs to breathe. This is terrifying for sufferers and leaves them wondering when the next one will happen. There are ways to prevent panic attacks.
1. Anxiety medications are prescribed for people who have been diagnosed with panic disorder. They are used as needed to help control the oncoming attacks, but should not be taken for extended periods as some of them have an addictive potential.
2. Behavioral therapy is used, often in combination with the medication, to help the person suffering from the attacks realize what might have triggered them in the first place. Oftentimes some event or phobia will cause the onset of the attack and the person may not even realize this. The therapy can be very beneficial to sufferers and may actually put a stop to the attacks over time.
3. Breathing techniques are often used as a way to get the person's mind off of the immediate attack and focus on something else, thus having the body realize everything is alright. If possible, close your eyes and count very slowly from one to ten, taking a long, deep breath as you say each number to yourself. Concentrate on breathing slowly, think of a happy place, picture a soothing color inside your head. Take the focus off of the panic and the panic will begin to go away.
If you or a loved one is suffering from these attacks, it is best to seek professional help. This will be the best thing you can do for your body and it will put your mind at ease.
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