Panic Attacks And Anxiety Disorder

Here is what it feels like to have a panic attack: You are walking down the street minding your own business, when suddenly and for no apparent reason, you feel lightheaded. There seems to be no air anywhere, and you start sweating and shaking. Your heartbeat speeds up and you feel like you are choking. The feeling typically lasts between a minute, to half an hour, and leaves you feeling terrified.

Panic attacks are very common. Most people experience them at some point in their lives. These are extreme attacks of anxiety that can happen anytime and anywhere. They may not be triggered by anything around you.

There are no lasting physical effects or dangers, but panic attacks can be disabling, and can lead to other emotional problems. An attack may leave you feeling scared and uneasy about a certain place. Some people experience panic attacks on elevators, for example, and afterward have trouble getting onto one. Repeated panic attacks can develop into phobias or other anxiety disorders.

Dealing With Panic Attacks

Panic attacks seem to come from out of nowhere. One minute you're fine, the next you're terrified of everything around you. Actually, there is always a trigger that causes them. Like a blackout, you forgot about the few seconds leading up to it. Identifying the cause of your episodes is the first step in stopping them before they stop you.

The real root cause is stress. Stress snowballs into anxiety. Anxiety gnaws at you, and this leads to your attack. Excessive worry and negative thinking triggers the attack. Often worrying about "losing it" or going crazy is what triggers it. We end up creating the situation in our mind before it actually starts.

One way to stop panic attacks is to get control of your negative thinking. Anxiety is caused by excessive negativity and worrying. Worrying over regular, everyday stresses gets to be a habit, and then you lose control of it.

Think Positive

Turn your negative thoughts into positive ones, or clear your mind of all those stresses. If you suffer from panic attacks, here are a few things to keep in mind always.

Deep breathing is a great way to hold on when things seem to be getting out of control. Stop whatever you're doing, close your eyes and breathe. Breathe slowly and naturally, and let each breathe have a life of its own. When you exhale, breathe out the negativity and anxiety. When you inhale, bring in positivity and a calm feeling that puts you back in control of things.

Another way to beat anxiety is to use positive affirmations. You may have panic attacks because your negative thinking spirals out of control. Create and use a set of positive phrases, like "Everything is ok, I'm in control," and start chanting them either out loud or inside your head when you feel the anxiety setting in. This positive re-orientation becomes a habit quickly, and you can turn it on when you need it.

When an anxiety attack hits you in spite of your prevention strategies, let it wash over you and do its thing. Sometimes, thoughts of dying or going crazy enter into an attack and intensify it. When your heart starts racing and your sweat start pounding, stand still and close your eyes. Let it come, and then let it pass. Don't dwell on the terrified feeling, or add more anxiety to it. Remember even when it's happening that it will pass soon and you'll be alright.

Panic attacks happen to most people at some time during their lives. They are the result of stress and anxiety building up. Learn to keep yourself calm and in-control, and you can master your anxiety.

Panic Attacks And What You Can Do About Them

Dealing With Panic Attacks

Think Positive