03/19/2020
When Panic Attacks: What’s Happening & Where to Find Hope
If you deal with panic attacks or even a panic disorder on a regular basis, knowing how to deal with that fear can make a huge difference in your life.
Of course, it’s about more than just getting through a panic attack. It’s about finding hope to manage that panic on a long-term basis so you can be free of the confines of that fear and anxiety.
Your mind and body tend to have natural responses when they feel panic. Unfortunately, these responses aren’t always productive and can actually end up making things worse. So, it’s important to understand what’s happening when you’re dealing with panic. That way, you can take proactive steps to put a stop to it.
What Happens During a Panic Attack?
Whether you’ve had one or 100, panic attacks are scary and overwhelming. Your mind and body become instantly consumed with fear. Some people even get so scared that they feel as though they might die.
Some of the common symptoms of a panic attack include:
• Sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Numb extremities
A panic attack isn’t a medical emergency, though it can often feel like one, especially if you feel like you’re dying. Instead of calling an ambulance, try to take some comfort in knowing that the attack will pass in several minutes. Once you’ve had a panic attack, you’ll be more aware of the symptoms. If you feel like you might be experiencing something besides a panic attack, it’s always a good idea to call your doctor.
When panic attacks, your body goes into an instant defense mode, which is why these symptoms seem so prominent. It’s getting ready to protect you from danger.
Unfortunately, the reality is that danger usually isn’t there when someone is experiencing a panic attack. So, you go into “fight or flight” mode for no reason. In some people, these attacks can become somewhat frequent, and cause problems in your life.
Some panic attacks do happen suddenly. But, others build slowly over the course of a few hours. As soon as you start to notice any of these symptoms or even if you just feel “off,” take the right steps to get ahead of the problem.
How to Get Through a Panic Attack
In the moment, there are several things you can do to get through a panic attack. One of the best things you can do is to concentrate on your breathing. By focusing on your breath, you’ll take away your focus on the fear.
Try inhaling deeply for five seconds, and then letting that breath out slowly for five seconds. Continue this pattern, focusing on how you’re breathing, for several minutes or until the fear starts to subside.
Learning different breathing exercises can make getting through a panic attack more manageable, so they won’t completely take over your mind and body.
Long-Term Hope for Dealing With Panic
Experiencing panic can be terrifying for anyone. But, there is hope for getting through it. Panic disorder is actually a type of anxiety disorder. Thankfully, it’s one of the most treatable forms. You don’t have to be ashamed or worried about finding treatment for panic disorder. It’s more common than you might think.
While medication is often prescribed for people with panic disorder, one of the best ways to deal with it is through cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling.
If you’re struggling with panic attacks and you’re tired of letting fear take control of your life, consider how therapy might help. With the right therapist, you can get to the underlying cause of what might be causing so much fear in your life. From there, you’ll learn how to better manage those attacks and employ long-term strategies for preventing panic. Please contact me for a consultation to feel better soon.
