How To Handle Panic Attacks

							Panic attacks can be embarrassing, debilitating or even life threatening. Often having
no way of knowing how to handle panic attacks cause many more people to suffer
than one would think. It is a condition that can occur during a business meeting, a
simple elevator ride or even watching your child perform in a school play. People
have reported wanting to scream for help, bolt out of a room, curl up into a fetal
position or even commit suicide during an attack. This article will explore different
ways one can approach and hopefully limit or even end these awful episodes by
applying simple techniques.

Pounding heart palpitations, profuse sweating, trouble breathing, dizziness and a
feeling of complete loss of control are some of the symptoms associated with these
events that can last up to several minutes. Understanding your body and your overall
health are important first steps to recovery. If these events occur repeatedly it is best
to visit your doctor to assess any physical or mental condition that may be the cause.
Some of these may include mitral valve prolapse (a condition in the heart which
compromises the oxygen to the brain), schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder or
even insomnia. Choices containing such stimulants as caffeine, nicotine and sugar can
also trigger an event. Drug abuse of cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and other
amphetamines also have been know as underlying causes of panic attacks.

The best way to stop a panic attack is to breathe and visualize. Concentrate intently on
your breath. The proper way to breathe is to inhale through your nose and exhale out
of your mouth, slowly. Breathing too fast and deep can cause hyperventilation which
in turn can make you pass out. If your breathing remains too rapid, breathing into a
paper bag (for a short period of about a minute) will help stabilize the body. Once you
can get a few breathes in your nose and out your mouth begin to visualize. Have a
favorite spot picked out in your mind. This can be real or imagined; a beach, a
wooded path, your bed, anywhere. Once you have your place visualize all the
specifics while at the same time continuing to slowly breath. Once in this position
begin an inner dialogue.

Your inner dialogue is talking (inside your head) to first acknowledge that you're
having a panic attack and that there is nothing else happening to you. Tell yourself
that your racing heart, sweating palms and tight chest are all a result of the adrenaline
that is coursing through your system. Remind yourself that you are in complete
control and that there is absolutely nothing to fear.

In conclusion, how to handle panic attacks by using some of the methods discussed
above is your best bet for maintenance and/or recovery. Trying to mask or even hide
your symptoms will only escalate the anxiety that accompanies each attack causing
more distress to your mind and body.