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Stop Panic Attacks – How to Cure Panic Attack Disorder without Medication

August 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Ellen Crawford

Having a panic attack is something that nobody likes to deal with. The feeling of your chest tightening as if you were having a heart attack is not good for anyone. There are actually ways that you can stop panic attacks without medication. They don’t involve a doctor, medication or a trip to the nearest pharmacy. I know all too well the unkind visit of a panic attack and have found personal ways that I deal with them, hopefully they will help you as well.

If you haven’t had a panic attack you can not possibly understand the cause behind them and so don’t treat that person as though they were crazy. They probably feel that way without you telling them so. However, if you have ever had a panic attack you understand the need to put an end to them. Panic attacks are generally created by stress of course. Isn’t stress the number one contributor of many things, panic attacks just being one of them? Therefore, it is no wonder that people wish to find ways to stop panic attacks without medication as many times the medication can just cause more problems.

With stress being the number one contributor to panic attacks you need to do what is necessary to cut down on he stresses in your life. You might think that sounds difficult to do but you just have to be dedicated to the solution and look at the bigger picture. If you think about what it is that causes you stress it will amaze you at the number of them that can be eliminated.

Let us say that the reason you are so stressed is because of your schedule. You have kids to run to soccer, violin practice, dinner to make and everyone in bed by nine with many other things left to do the rest of the week. Figure out a solution, whatever it takes, because if you aren’t healthy enough to enjoy taking your kids to where they need to be then odds are you need to quit. Find someone to help carpool, break out the crock-pot to work on a good dinner the slow way and cut back on the things that give you that, “Oh man I’m stressed,” feeling.

Taking charge of your mental state is the best way to stop panic attacks without medication. When I feel as though something is really stressing me out, I decide if it is something I can change or not. Of course having bills and such is always going to be stressful, it is for everybody. But you know what? Everybody does have them, has had them and probably will always have them. The only difference is that some have just learned to accept that things such as bills and debt are always going to be a part of their lives and went on.

Looking at my checkbook sometimes I can just feel that pinch in my chest coming on when I see how tight things will be. If that happens I think to myself, “will my stressing actually change the situation?” In other words, will my stress and worry bring us any more money? No. All it will do is make me tired, cranky, and extremely stressed. Therefore, I take charge and tell myself to let it go, it will not change anything. And, that makes it a lot easier.

To stop panic attacks without medication simply means that you need to be aware of your own situation and be willing to take charge of it. Do you really want to allow the stresses of the world to run your life?

About the Author

Ellen Crawford is an ex panic attack sufferer who learned to keep her anxiety disorder in check without prescription medication. To learn how to stop panic attacks, visit her personal website where she offers free alternative methods for panic attack relief: www.curemypanicattack.com

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How to Stop Panic Attacks in Their Tracks

August 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Alex J Schneider

Distinguishing panic attacks from other psychological disorders is often confusing because of the close resemblance between the symptoms of panic attacks and the symptoms of other related disorders. Panic attacks fall under the category of generalized anxiety disorder. In order to understand a cure for panic attacks, one must understand how a panic attack takes place. A triggering factor causes fear in an individual leading to the panic attack. These fears are usually irrational. The body of the individual responds to the impending threat through a switch to an alarm mode of the body. Increased heart rate, difficulty in breathing and persistent sweating are some of the observable body reactions that manifest a panic attack. These panic attacks often cause disruptions in the daily tasks and routines of the individual. The more frequent a panic attack occurs, the more disturbing and stressful it can be for the person. Individuals having panic attacks also believe that they cannot control the attacks and they have no choice but to go through them.

Because the triggering factor remains ambiguous, identifying a specific cure or treatment to stop panic attacks remains to be a difficult challenge. The triggering factors vary from one individual to another. Several studies confirm that stress can be a potential triggering factor for a panic attack. Extreme emotions such as anger and excitement can also lead to panic attack. Individuals who are relaxed and who maintain an easygoing lifestyle rarely experience a panic attack. Individuals suffering from cardio complications may also be more prone to a panic attack.

The identification of the specific trigger is still the primary step in treating panic attacks. After the trigger has been pinpointed, the psychologist or the psychiatrist will discuss with the individual the different therapy options available. The individual can choose to take medications or to undergo a therapy. Medication intake is usually advised by psychiatrists but most psychologists would strongly assert that a psychological therapy would be a more effective approach. Whether you are taking drugs or submitting yourself to a therapy, close monitoring of your condition is important. An individual with panic attacks is not advised to take medicines on his or her own. Likewise, undergoing a therapy without consulting your psychologist or psychiatrist is also highly discouraged. Without proper supervision, a potential cure may even end up being harmful and detrimental to the individual.

Extreme care and caution should be maintained in prescribing drugs to an individual with panic attacks. Ensure that your psychiatrist is really competent and knowledgeable. If you take a drug that is not intended to treat panic attacks, your condition may even get worse. The physical and health background such as allergies and other medical conditions should also be taken into consideration when a psychiatrist prescribes drugs or medications. During your consultation, you may also mention this information so your psychiatrist can take note of them. The psychiatrist should also know when to stop the dosage to avoid stimulating dependency and substance abuse.

About the Author

Alex J Schneider is an avid panic attacks researcher and expert. For more in depth information on cure for panic attacks, visit www.PanicAttacksSolutions.com

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Stop Panic Attacks

August 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Jackjill

Panic attack is the combination of physical and emotional responses. The intensity and frequency of an attack varies from person to person. When a person experiences a attack he gets a feeling that something awful is happening and that he is dying. People mostly experience attacks when they get upset over certain situations. People fail to realize that fear of the symptoms can worsen the attack.

The fastest way to is to practice deep breathing. When a person experiences an attack heart beats quickly and breathing quickens. Breathing slowly will help to maintain deep breathing. Another way is to breathe in and out slowly is, with the help of a small paper bag which helps in maintaining normal oxygen level.

Panic attacks some times referred to as anxiety attacks are different from the casual fear that we feel when we face problems and stresses in our lives. Most of the time, these attacks happen for no reason, at least none that you can think of at the moment. Although they are generally non life-threatening, there are certain cases wherein it leads to a more serious condition such as hypertension or asthma. It’s because of these complications that you need to know how to stop a panic attack when it occurs.

The main trigger or factor contributing to an attack is largely unknown. But experts believe that it may be caused by some traumatic experiences we had in the past. These traumas are initially unrealized, until they surface months or years later in the form of a panic attack. If the attacks becomes more frequent and you begin to fear it, it is called a panic disorder. In some cases, panic disorders are associated with alcoholism, depression, or drug abuse.

Keep stress at bay: Stress is one of the major factors for panic, and it would be in your best interest to keep it at bay if you want to minimize or eliminate panic attacks. Stress management techniques like, yoga, cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy, and music therapy are just some of the techniques that you can explore if you want to manage your stress levels more effectively.

Talk to someone: Talking to someone about anything can keep you distracted long enough until the symptoms pass. It can be humorous situations you had, what you did during the weekend, or even what you ate for breakfast. The important thing is that you will be able to shift your mind long enough from what you find uncomfortable in order to allow the attack to pass without any embarrassing or frightening circumstance happening.

Accept: Never ever resist panic attacks from happening. Don’t fight it, let it come and take its course. The thing about panic is that, the more you resist the harder it will persist, if it happens it will happen, and resisting it from happening won’t do anything except hasten the inevitable.

Yes, you can — and this you can do without the side effects of medications and the expenses of frequent trips to your shrink. You can stop panic attacks right in their tracks with the help of some easy and practical techniques that will harness your mind and body’s natural power.

stop panic attacksYou may not be able to recognize a panic attack the first time it strikes on you. The signs and symptoms can easily mislead you to believing that you are having a heart attack or an asthma attack. Panic attacks usually disguise itself as a medical condition that you would readily treat with drugs and medication to heal from it. What you don’t know is that what you have experienced is a panic or anxiety attack and those drugs and medications are unnecessary as they can also put you at risk of adverse effects.

About the Author

I am Paul read mathematics at Stanford and remained there for his MS. From 1998-1999 on researched in Evolution and in Animal Behavior in Camrbidge, UK. I was was then a professor in the departments of Anthropology and Biology, New Jersy College, USA. Now teaches at the department of Zoology. Carried out research in several areas of evolutionary biology, particularly in sexual selection and the comparative method.

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How To Stop A Panic Attack

July 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Jamie Clarkson

What are panic attacks and panic disorder?

A panic attack is a sudden, unpleasant and debilitating experience in which the sufferer often feels as if he or she is dying. One very noticeable panic attack symptom is what feels like a rapid heartbeat, as if the heart is going to explode. Panic attack symptoms include:

- fear of dying- shallow and/or rapid breathing- sweating, shaking, trembling- severe anxiety- fear of a heart attack- feeling out of control- hot flashes or chills- fear of going crazy- nausea- visual disturbances- dizziness or feeling faint- numbness or tingling of extremeties- feeling as if the walls are closing in

Recurring panic attacks are a symptom of panic disorder, which affects one in 75 people. The symptoms for panic disorder are the same as for an individual panic attack, except that the sufferer experiences panic attacks on a more regular basis. Panic disorder symptoms include the fear of having another panic attack, a fear that in itself could bring on a panic attack. Panic disorder in turn can lead to “situational avoidance,” which means that the sufferers feel compelled to avoid every place or situation in which a previous panic attack has occurred, to the point where they may not even leave their houses. Panic disorder that proceeds to this point of phobia can be very serious and disruptive to a normal life.

What is the cause of a panic attack?

Panic attacks have a variety of causes, some physical, some mental and some emotional. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to panic attacks, while gender also plays a role, as women are more prone to panic attacks than men. Sometimes hidden allergies or sensitivities to food, drink or other chemical such as a drug or pollutant can trigger a panic attack, while at other times memories or trauma can push the panic button. Alcohol and drug use can be both causes and effects of panic attacks and panic disorder. Some people suffer panic disorder as a side effect of post-traumatic stress disorder that involves some very serious and disturbing experiences, while everyday chores and events, such as having a child or getting married, can also trigger panic attacks. Driving is a fairly common source of debilitating panic attacks.

How can you prevent or stop panic attacks?

There are various forms of medication that can be taken either during an acute panic attack to ease its symptoms or regularly in treating panic disorder. Recurring panic disorder requires a more long-term strategy, as several of these medications are highly addictive and not beneficial to the health over the long run. Many methods have been tried, from meditation and visualization to nutrition and breathing, with varying results. One of the more effective methods was developed by panic expert Joe Barry, author of “Panic Away.” This method requires the sufferer to actually “welcome” the panic attack, saying, “Bring it on!” In conjunction with medication, nutrition and other methods and strategies, this technique may be very effective in preventing or stopping a panic attack.

With the proper diagnosis and treatment, you can control, stop, prevent or overcome panic attacks and panic disorder, and lead a normal, happy life.

About the Author

Jamie Clarkson has been studying and implementing health practices for 30 years. She is also a recovered sufferer of debilitating panic disorder. Learn more about how to deal with panic attacks and panic disorder by visiting http://www.thebesthealthinfo.com/nomorepanicattacks.html

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Learn How to Stop Panic Attack Symptom

July 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Jason Darren

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Stop Panic Attacks from Progressing to Panic Disorder

July 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Samuel Summers

If you experience a panic attack for the first time, you may need to seek immediate medical help. That is because you cannot be completely absolute about the state of your over-all health. Remember that the symptoms of panic attack resemble the symptoms of other medical conditions. Panic attacks can be associated with serious medical conditions, too.

Panic disorder

If you are a long-time sufferer of panic attacks, on the other hand, you may be suffering from a panic disorder. Do not worry, however. Panic disorder can be treated. There are various ways that can help you overcome panic disorder. Here are some simple ways that can help you stop panic attacks from progressing to panic disorder:

Breathe deeply

Deep breathing provides healthy benefits to your nervous system. What you should do is sit comfortably and put your hands on your lap. Allow oxygen to surge to your stomach as you let your abdomen expand. Then inhale. Perform this simple breathing exercise prior to a meal or every time you feel stressed.

Have a proper posture

Always check your posture. If you have a bad posture, you will surely feel uncomfortable. You would not slouch, moreover. It takes time to perfect this habit, so always be vigilant about your posture every time. Always make sure that you do not slouch or hunch. Straighten your spine when you feel that you are slouching.

Have a balanced diet

Anxiety can be your body’s way to warn you that there is a need for lifestyle or dietary changes. Eating processed food all the time, for example, can lead you to become anxious. Do not just ignore your body’s warning signs. Have a healthy diet. Change your exercise routine as well. Avoid food products that can trigger panic attacks, too.

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can be triggered by simple fear. If you fear that you will experience panic attack, then you may really experience one. There’s this conditioning effect that can trigger subsequent panic attacks. The key here is to have positive thoughts. Do not always worry about experiencing panic attacks. This dread can actually trigger panic attack symptoms.

Panic attacks can be abrupt. These can happen anytime. Whether you are alone or with a companion, you can experience a panic attack without sensing any apparent reason. Basically, the symptoms of panic attack are caused by the surge of adrenaline in a person’s bloodstream. Adrenaline, a hormone responsible for panic attacks, is released by our adrenal glands.

Check whether you experience at least four of the symptoms below.

Feeling of suffocationLightheadednessLosing controlFeeling of embarrassment Uncontrollable itching Chest pains Palpitations Hyperventilation CrampingDizziness NauseaDifficulty breathing

If you have experienced at least four symptoms, then it is considered as a real panic attack. Otherwise, it will just be a limited symptom attack. Do not worry if you really suffer from panic attacks. There are different treatment methods available. You can opt for medications, therapy or natural techniques. You can also consult your personal physician for professional help.

Learn more about the different techniques on how to stop panic attacks.

About the Author

Sam Summers writes for Annihilate Anxiety. Sam has managed to overcome his own anxiety and now counsels other adults, adolescents, and even children in overcoming their anxiety and fears.

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10 Frequently Asked Questions On How To Stop Panic Attacks

July 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Alice Jane

1. What is a panic attack?A question that is asked quiet a lot is ‘what is a panic attack?’ It is a brief period of extreme anxiety, fear or apprehension. Most people suffering from their first panic attack say each attack feels similar to a heart attack or nervous breakdown. At the time sufferers feel like they are in physical agony, however un

2. How do I know I am having a panic attack? What are the symptoms?

As said earlier, attacks can be experienced as feeling like heart attacks or nervous breakdowns. Most of the time they strike for the first time between the age of 15 – 20 and are often a symptom of a bigger anxiety disorder.

While panic attacks mimic many of the symptoms of a heart attack, they are two different things. The most common symptom of a panic attack is heart palpitations – a cool way of saying the heart rate increases rapidly – nausea or becoming dizzy, trouble breathing or a loosing breath, and trembling. Tingling or numbness in the hands, as well as chest and stomach pains, are also common. The most common symptom is a feeling of wanting to escape, or of an horrible fear. Most of the time people who experience these attacks are highly fearful of something, but they can’t say what it is they are so scared of.

When these symptoms flare up it feels like it will be very difficult to stop panic attacks.

3. How long does a panic attack last?

Everybody is different, and will react in different ways to panic attacks. Occasionally the initial attack can last for up to 10 minutes before the person feels the anxiety flooding out of them, but other people say while their panic attack decreases after a relatively short time they still feel anxiety and apprehension for a couple of days afterwards.

Between 40 to 70 per cent of people who suffer from panic attacks during the day will also experience nighttime attacks. All panic attacks are terrifying experiences but nighttime attacks are particularly distressing, as they have the potential to have a more intense or noticeable impact on the respiratory (breathing) systems of the person suffering from the problem.

4. How common is this problem?

Believe it or not, panic attacks are actually reasonably common – although to sufferers it certainly does not feel that way at the time! Experts are saying that panic attacks are a high health problem amongst adults around the world, with evidence showing at least 20 per cent of American adults – around 60 million people – will experience the problem at some stage in their lives.

Women are twice as likely to suffer from panic attacks as men, although in childhood cases boys are just as likely to suffer from panic attacks as girls.

5. What causes panic attacks?

It is tricky to pinpoint causes or triggers of panic attacks, as there are so many people that have to put up with them. The main cause of panic attacks appears to be genes. Panic disorders are often hereditary and mean some people have a greater predisposition or chance of suffering from attacks themselves if the problem runs in the family. Other biological causes of attacks are not genetic.

People with medical conditions such as larger panic disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder can suffer from panic attacks, as can people with other medical conditions such as hypoglycaemia, mitral valve prolapse, hyper-ventilation syndrome and even inner-ear problems. Some medications are also known to spark off attacks. Alcohol and drug withdrawl – including caffeine – can also trigger attacks. The problem is also believed to be more common in those with a negative self-image or a proneness to be passive. Last but not least, significant personal trauma for example the loss of a loved one can also set off the attacks.

6. Why do these triggers mean I have a panic attack?

Believe it or not, from a physiological point of view a attack is the body trying to protect itself from harm. A unexpected spike in being scared also results in a unexpected spike in adrenaline, which in turn prompts the “fight-or-flight response”.

The fight or flight response is a well-documented scientific theory, which basically proposes when a person feels scared their body prepares them for extreme physical activity – either the need to run away from a situation really fast, or the need to defend themselves against a threat. When your body goes into fight or flight mode, your heart rate accelerates, you start breathing rapidly, and you may also begin to sweat. Because you’re not really about to fight or escape, the hyperventilation (difficulty breathing) increases the level of carbon dioxide in the body (in the lungs first, then in the bloodstream). This moves all the blood around your body, which can cause some of the other symptoms like lightheadedness or nausea. The release of the extra adrenaline causes lightheadedness too.

Unfortunately it is sometimes a catch-22: Because you feel yourself getting short of breath, you try to take deeper swallows of air, which means more carbon dioxide, which increases the feeling of not being able to breathe properly. In the face of these steps happening in your body it is really difficult to stop panic attacks.

7. How is the problem different between men and women, and children and adults?

For everyone it is difficult to stop the attacks. Despite that same feeling of being overwhelmed by the attack, which causes people to feel like the attack is disabling them or preventing them from being able to do anything to try and stop the panic attack, there are some differences in how the attack feels for men and women and children. Firstly, panic attacks are seen more in women. They also seem to be more common, and more often end up in the use of medication to try to stop panic attacks. Women also seem to be in the habit of displaying more anxiety-avoidance – that is, they will try to prevent situations where they have experienced an attack before.

Anxiety avoidance often results in a phobia – an irrational fear of particular situations – and after awhile the mere thought of that situation is enough to trigger an attack. In children or young adults attacks can end up causing a drop in marks or grades at school, or even wagging school, substance abuse, keeping themselves from parents or other important people around them, and even depression or suicidal thoughts.

While symptoms in adolescents often mimic those experienced by adults, panic attacks are sometimes different for younger children. Teenagers often report panic attacks as like nightmares and are more dream-like than an extreme fear of going crazy or dying (which is usually what it feels like for adults), while young children often do not to have any cognitive or conscious thoughts at all.

8. Are panic attacks serious?

Yes – those suffering from panic attacks know they are real and also know they can be emotionally disabling. It is vital to try to stop panic attacks as they can have a significant lasting effect on those suffering from them – if left untreated they can develop into serious panic or emotional disorders, such as agoraphobia, which is the crippling fear of all social situations and interactions.

9. How do I stop panic attacks?

The most common treatment designed to stop panic attacks is a combination of cognitive-behavioural therapy and a prescription of anti-depressant medication.

CBT usually involves up to 20 visits with a mental health professional over a number of weeks, and it is designed to try and change the thought processes that cause your condition. The therapy will help you get an understanding and a sense of control over distorted emotions you have related to stressful situations, help you learn to recognize and replace panic-causing thoughts, show you some relaxation techniques and expose you to stress-management techniques, and will too involve some desensitisation and exposure therapy. While that is a really long, complicated title for the process, the therapy itself is very simple. The professional you work with will ask you to relax and then imagine the things that make you most fearful or apprehensive, from the least-stressful to the most-stressful. This therapy, with antidepressant medication – mostly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – is the most known way to stop panic attacks. It might sound stupid, but trying to keep a healthy and active lifestyle is also very important. Many studies show the impact eating right and getting enough exercise can have on emotional disorders, including depression, anxiety and panic disorders. At the end of the day the most important thing is to remember the goal of treatment is to help you get better.

If you feel something is not working for you, be open and discuss your concerns with your doctor or mental health professional. They are there to help.

10. What else do I need to remember?

Importantly, know that you are not by yourself. A lot of people of all ages throughout the world suffer from the same thing. Panic attacks are serious, and they are frightening, but luckily you can get help. With the right treatment designed to stop panic attacks people who suffer from this problem can lead completely normal lives.

Also remember there is a wealth of information out there about the problem and how to stop panic attacks – check out your local library, join support groups on the internet, and most of all be honest with the people around you. Tell someone you trust, a friend or adult. Let them know what you are going through. Make sure you are honest with your doctor. It is their job to help you, so discuss with them about the problems you have. Doctors are trained in the medical field so take in as much of their knowledge as possible. They may also be able to show you a specialist in your area with a lot of expertise in the treatment of panic attacks.

About the Author

For more information on how to stop panic attacks then please visit 1stoppanicattacks.com

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10 Frequently Asked Questions On How To Stop Panic Attacks

July 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Alice Jane

1. What is a panic attack?A question that is asked quiet a lot is ‘what is a panic attack?’ It is a brief period of extreme anxiety, fear or apprehension. Most people suffering from their first panic attack say each attack feels similar to a heart attack or nervous breakdown. At the time sufferers feel like they are in physical agony, however un

2. How do I know I am having a panic attack? What are the symptoms?

As said earlier, attacks can be experienced as feeling like heart attacks or nervous breakdowns. Most of the time they strike for the first time between the age of 15 – 20 and are often a symptom of a bigger anxiety disorder.

While panic attacks mimic many of the symptoms of a heart attack, they are two different things. The most common symptom of a panic attack is heart palpitations – a cool way of saying the heart rate increases rapidly – nausea or becoming dizzy, trouble breathing or a loosing breath, and trembling. Tingling or numbness in the hands, as well as chest and stomach pains, are also common. The most common symptom is a feeling of wanting to escape, or of an horrible fear. Most of the time people who experience these attacks are highly fearful of something, but they can’t say what it is they are so scared of.

When these symptoms flare up it feels like it will be very difficult to stop panic attacks.

3. How long does a panic attack last?

Everybody is different, and will react in different ways to panic attacks. Occasionally the initial attack can last for up to 10 minutes before the person feels the anxiety flooding out of them, but other people say while their panic attack decreases after a relatively short time they still feel anxiety and apprehension for a couple of days afterwards.

Between 40 to 70 per cent of people who suffer from panic attacks during the day will also experience nighttime attacks. All panic attacks are terrifying experiences but nighttime attacks are particularly distressing, as they have the potential to have a more intense or noticeable impact on the respiratory (breathing) systems of the person suffering from the problem.

4. How common is this problem?

Believe it or not, panic attacks are actually reasonably common – although to sufferers it certainly does not feel that way at the time! Experts are saying that panic attacks are a high health problem amongst adults around the world, with evidence showing at least 20 per cent of American adults – around 60 million people – will experience the problem at some stage in their lives.

Women are twice as likely to suffer from panic attacks as men, although in childhood cases boys are just as likely to suffer from panic attacks as girls.

5. What causes panic attacks?

It is tricky to pinpoint causes or triggers of panic attacks, as there are so many people that have to put up with them. The main cause of panic attacks appears to be genes. Panic disorders are often hereditary and mean some people have a greater predisposition or chance of suffering from attacks themselves if the problem runs in the family. Other biological causes of attacks are not genetic.

People with medical conditions such as larger panic disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder can suffer from panic attacks, as can people with other medical conditions such as hypoglycaemia, mitral valve prolapse, hyper-ventilation syndrome and even inner-ear problems. Some medications are also known to spark off attacks. Alcohol and drug withdrawl – including caffeine – can also trigger attacks. The problem is also believed to be more common in those with a negative self-image or a proneness to be passive. Last but not least, significant personal trauma for example the loss of a loved one can also set off the attacks.

6. Why do these triggers mean I have a panic attack?

Believe it or not, from a physiological point of view a attack is the body trying to protect itself from harm. A unexpected spike in being scared also results in a unexpected spike in adrenaline, which in turn prompts the “fight-or-flight response”.

The fight or flight response is a well-documented scientific theory, which basically proposes when a person feels scared their body prepares them for extreme physical activity – either the need to run away from a situation really fast, or the need to defend themselves against a threat. When your body goes into fight or flight mode, your heart rate accelerates, you start breathing rapidly, and you may also begin to sweat. Because you’re not really about to fight or escape, the hyperventilation (difficulty breathing) increases the level of carbon dioxide in the body (in the lungs first, then in the bloodstream). This moves all the blood around your body, which can cause some of the other symptoms like lightheadedness or nausea. The release of the extra adrenaline causes lightheadedness too.

Unfortunately it is sometimes a catch-22: Because you feel yourself getting short of breath, you try to take deeper swallows of air, which means more carbon dioxide, which increases the feeling of not being able to breathe properly. In the face of these steps happening in your body it is really difficult to stop panic attacks.

7. How is the problem different between men and women, and children and adults?

For everyone it is difficult to stop the attacks. Despite that same feeling of being overwhelmed by the attack, which causes people to feel like the attack is disabling them or preventing them from being able to do anything to try and stop the panic attack, there are some differences in how the attack feels for men and women and children. Firstly, panic attacks are seen more in women. They also seem to be more common, and more often end up in the use of medication to try to stop panic attacks. Women also seem to be in the habit of displaying more anxiety-avoidance – that is, they will try to prevent situations where they have experienced an attack before.

Anxiety avoidance often results in a phobia – an irrational fear of particular situations – and after awhile the mere thought of that situation is enough to trigger an attack. In children or young adults attacks can end up causing a drop in marks or grades at school, or even wagging school, substance abuse, keeping themselves from parents or other important people around them, and even depression or suicidal thoughts.

While symptoms in adolescents often mimic those experienced by adults, panic attacks are sometimes different for younger children. Teenagers often report panic attacks as like nightmares and are more dream-like than an extreme fear of going crazy or dying (which is usually what it feels like for adults), while young children often do not to have any cognitive or conscious thoughts at all.

8. Are panic attacks serious?

Yes – those suffering from panic attacks know they are real and also know they can be emotionally disabling. It is vital to try to stop panic attacks as they can have a significant lasting effect on those suffering from them – if left untreated they can develop into serious panic or emotional disorders, such as agoraphobia, which is the crippling fear of all social situations and interactions.

9. How do I stop panic attacks?

The most common treatment designed to stop panic attacks is a combination of cognitive-behavioural therapy and a prescription of anti-depressant medication.

CBT usually involves up to 20 visits with a mental health professional over a number of weeks, and it is designed to try and change the thought processes that cause your condition. The therapy will help you get an understanding and a sense of control over distorted emotions you have related to stressful situations, help you learn to recognize and replace panic-causing thoughts, show you some relaxation techniques and expose you to stress-management techniques, and will too involve some desensitisation and exposure therapy. While that is a really long, complicated title for the process, the therapy itself is very simple. The professional you work with will ask you to relax and then imagine the things that make you most fearful or apprehensive, from the least-stressful to the most-stressful. This therapy, with antidepressant medication – mostly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – is the most known way to stop panic attacks. It might sound stupid, but trying to keep a healthy and active lifestyle is also very important. Many studies show the impact eating right and getting enough exercise can have on emotional disorders, including depression, anxiety and panic disorders. At the end of the day the most important thing is to remember the goal of treatment is to help you get better.

If you feel something is not working for you, be open and discuss your concerns with your doctor or mental health professional. They are there to help.

10. What else do I need to remember?

Importantly, know that you are not by yourself. A lot of people of all ages throughout the world suffer from the same thing. Panic attacks are serious, and they are frightening, but luckily you can get help. With the right treatment designed to stop panic attacks people who suffer from this problem can lead completely normal lives.

Also remember there is a wealth of information out there about the problem and how to stop panic attacks – check out your local library, join support groups on the internet, and most of all be honest with the people around you. Tell someone you trust, a friend or adult. Let them know what you are going through. Make sure you are honest with your doctor. It is their job to help you, so discuss with them about the problems you have. Doctors are trained in the medical field so take in as much of their knowledge as possible. They may also be able to show you a specialist in your area with a lot of expertise in the treatment of panic attacks.

About the Author

For more information on how to stop panic attacks then please visit 1stoppanicattacks.com

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If You’re Having Panic Attacks Symptoms You Can Stop Them In 5 Steps

July 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Gregory Kingstilim

Panic attacks symptoms can be caused by many things, and in this article I’m going to outline the 5 most common causes of anxiety attacks symptoms. Whether your suffering from panic attacks or know someone who is, I’m going to give some step by step techniques you can use in this article to identify what’s causing your panic attacks.1) OveranalyzingIf you’re dwelling on a thought like “what if I get nervous again and have another panic episode.” and it leads to you having another panic attack, then you need to stop overanalyzing your negative thoughts. If you find yourself caught up in the trap of thinking a scary thought over and over again, get in between that thought and break it up before it spirals out of control.2) Talking NegativelyIf you find that you’re constantly having what if thoughts and thinking about all the bad things that could go wrong in your life, then you need to start using some positive self talk.Using internal dialogue like “I’m positive and I can handle this situation” or “Anxiety attacks have never hurt me before, and I will make it through this” will allow you to stop triggering your fight or flight mechanism.3) Not Staying In The Present MomentWhen you allow your mind to wonder into the future and you worry about what bad things might happen you aren’t living life in the present moment. Likewise, when you are constantly dwelling over your past mistakes and beating yourself up for things you “should have done”, you aren’t in the present moment either.All anxiety and panic episodes can simply be avoided by keeping your mind in the present moment. To remain in the present moment you should focus on what you hear, feel, see, smell, taste, etc. By doing this you can avoid your wondering mind that will focus on scary negative thoughts.4) Bad HabitsThe habit of negative thinking is so strong that we don’t even realize we are doing it. It just happens automatically, and that’s why it’s absolutely necessary to create a habit out of interrupting your negative thoughts. You should be actively paying attention to your thoughts on a daily basis and putting up an imaginary stop sign in your mind when you start feeling bad, sad, negative, anxious, depressed, etc.5) A lack of visionTo stop your panic and anxious moments you must be able to visualize who you want to be in the future. Take a few minutes to think and imagine in your mind the person you would like to be if you didn’t have panic attacks holding you back. This is extremely important because without a vision you can’t get to where you want to go.

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Put an End to Anxiety and Panic Attacks – Top 3 Methods to Stop Panic Disorder

June 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Article by Gerry Restrivera

It is common for people to get anxious under stressful and scary situations but if your anxiety becomes unreasonable and it interferes with your daily life, it is important to know how to put an end to anxiety and panic attacks. People who have anxiety and panic disorder usually have episodes of intense irrational fear on everyday situations.The unreasonable fear on daily situations is a serious problem that affects millions of people. This condition can interfere with work, school and personal life. The symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks can be very disabling which includes chest pain, increased heartbeat, palpitation, choking, trembling, sweating, feeling of unreality and losing control. To get rid of these symptoms, you have to put an end to anxiety and panic attacks for good. Here are the top 3 methods to conquer anxiety and panic disorder:

Psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. This method helps sufferers to change their thinking patterns and the way they react to situations that triggers anxiety attacks. Therapists can help sufferers cope with their disorder and can make them realize that their fears are irrational through exposure techniques and repetitive exercises. For instance, this method can help people with social phobia to change their thinking that others are always judging and watching them and they will be encouraged to face feared social situations. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be very helpful to put an end to anxiety and panic attacks.

Medication. Although medicines will not cure anxiety disorders permanently, it can be very helpful to keep them under control while the patient receives psychotherapy. Your doctor or psychiatrist may prescribe medicines like antidepressants which is effective for anxiety disorders and anti-anxiety drugs. Although you want to put an end to anxiety and panic attacks, it is also important to know that prolonged use of drugs has its side effects.

Natural treatments. Another option for sufferers is natural treatments. Relaxation techniques like breathing exercise, regular physical exercise, healthy diet, getting enough sleep, reducing caffeine and avoiding alcoholic drinks are just some of the things that you can do to put an end to anxiety and panic attacks. You can have better control of your anxiety if you are well rested and healthy.

To improve the quality of your life, you have to know how to put an end to anxiety and panic attacks. Get rid of its disabling symptoms before they can totally interfere with your life. Eliminate anxiety and panic disorder for good visit Panic Away

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About the Author

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including Put an End to Anxiety and Panic Attacks – Top 3 Methods to Stop Panic Disorder. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

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