Tips For Panic Attacks

QUESTION: What are some tips for panic attacks?

ANSWER:

I will never forget my first panic attack. I was working at my new job like normal. As I was assembling cabinets, I started to feel tightness in my chest and shortness of breath. “Am I having a heart attack?” I thought.

Intense fear enveloped me. Wanting to escape, I left work and headed for the hospital. Of course, the doctors found nothing wrong. Months later, the doctors figured out that I was experiencing panic attacks.

Panic attacks are intense moments of fear which you want to run from but can’t get away. The more you try to control your panic attacks, the more you realize that you’re out of control. Panic attacks arrive uninvited and unexpected. They stay on their own timetable, draining you of energy. This tired feeling comes from the adrenaline rushing through your body during a panic attack. Because of your racing heart and mind, you may feel as if you’re going crazy.

Tips for Panic Attacks

• If you are experiencing panic attacks, learn as much about them as possible. Knowing about panic attacks allows you to understand what your body is going through. In my case, this knowledge helped to lessen both the severity and frequency of the panic attacks.
  
  
• Discuss various options with your doctor. Be sure there is not a more dangerous physical problem.
  
  
• Make a list of things that cause you stress and anxiety. Learn to cope with these items in a healthy manner.
  
  
• Another helpful tip is to seek out a support group. When I was experiencing panic attacks, I felt like the only one with the problem. Initially, I feared people would think I was going crazy! I found, however, that a support group is understanding and helpful.