Coming to Grips with Panic Attacks

Is your heart going faster? Does it feel like it’s about to pound right out of your chest? Then of course your throat is feeling tight, and your ability to breathe seems to diminish. Add in the nausea and you’ll find that all of these are accompanies with overwhelming fear. You can’t get control over yourself, and death is right around the corner.

Even though it doesn’t always feel this way, this is a panic attack. If you’ve experienced any of this, you may be one of many who have a panic disorder. It’s important to understand that a panic disorder is a category of an anxiety disorder. While the number may seem small, 2-3% of anxiety sufferers are affected by this condition. However, around thirty percent of the patients may experience panic attacks at some point.

Panic disorder is a somewhat misunderstood condition. No one knows exactly why it occurs or what makes some people more susceptible to it. It tends to appear in the teenage years and early adulthood. Statistically, more women are diagnosed with the disorder.

The symptoms won’t always be the same between each individual either. In fact, some situations last a few minutes while others can last for 30. If you’re wondering if what you’re enduring is a panic attack, then you need to look at the symptoms. They are anything from chest pain, breathing difficulties, the feeling of doom or shaking and trembling to, nausea and vomiting, hot or cold flashes, or feeling faint. The important issue is that they come out of nowhere.

There are ways to control a panic disorder, and one of the best ways is by avoiding the places associated with your attacks. Maybe its small spaces, the mall, or a million other places, but the point is if you can stay away from them you can control your panic disorder a little better.

After all, the research that has been done, there have been findings of potential causes. All it takes is the individual to have a bad experience, and then harbor the potential bad things to come.

There are several avenues of treatment for panic disorder. The doctor may prescribe SSRI or tricyclic antidepressants. Anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed, but medication as pretty much been proven not too work. They just freeze your emotion, they are addictive and they also have bad side effects.

Since medication of that nature is out the window, a natural approach might be your best bet. Having the proper rest, exercising, and changing your diet may play a major role in controlling and reducing your anxiety disorder. Heck, just getting 8-10 hours a sleep can reduce anxiety by 50%. You can find some good self-help books on this and other natural benefits online.

Experts will tell you that stress is a major player in panic disorder. So if you’re incurring several stressful situations, you have to look for the most appropriate relievers. Exercise is probably the #1 choice. Plus, even though it helps with stress, it can help you maintain healthy body weight. This will give you a proper hormonal balance.

Another area to look further into is the use of food. Research has discovered that some foods can increase anxiety. Things like coffee, dairy products, refined sugar, honey, and even maple syrup on those pancakes or waffles. So we recommend keeping a food log and figure it out for yourself.

Relaxation is also key. When you are relaxed, anxiety and fear are diminished. Your nerves are more stable and you are better able to handle situations you may be faced with. Yoga and meditation can help soothe your spirit. Some patients have found aromatherapy helpful in relaxing and keeping stress at bay. Bergamot, chamomile, lavender and ylang ylang are all well-known for their calming properties.

Granted, it’s possible this won’t cure your panic disorder. However, it can reduce and control your panic attacks. The idea is to have as much of a normal life as you can.

Meanwhile, Julie U. Stevenson has tolerated panic attacks for fourteen years. We recommend checking out at her story by visiting here website: My Anxiety Solution and discover how she was able to rid herself of this burden and get her life back.