Anxiety and Panic Attacks

By March 24, 2018May 23rd, 2023anxiety, panic attack

Here is a video on Anxiety and Panic Attacks:

Robina 7 Day Doctors and Acupuncture recommends this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxELZyA2bJs

A panic attack is when the body experiences an intense rush of both mental and physical symptoms, creating an overwhelming sense of fear.

These might make the person may feel like they have lost control and feel desperate to get out of the situation, but it can also make many people feel that they are having a heart attack.

Key signs of a panic attack

  • Pounding heart
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness and nausea
  • Shaky limbs
  • Chest pains

Although a panic attack can make you feel like you are about to collapse, or even worse die, it is usually harmless. The physical symptoms are caused by you going into ‘fight or flight’ mode. This means your body is trying to take in more oxygen so your breathing gets faster. Your body also releases hormones, such as adrenaline, which makes your heart beat faster and your muscles tense up.

 It can be easy for a one-off panic attack to become something more frequent as you start to fear them occurring again. Don’t let the fear of panic attacks control you. The symptoms always pass and they are not a sign of anything bad.

If you can try and stay in the situation until the anxiety has lessened, confronting your fear will give you a chance to find out that nothing’s going to happen. Sometimes it might help to have someone with you for reassurance.

If you have shortness of breath and feel like you are unable to breathe then try doing a breathing exercise to ease this.   Breathe in as slowly and deeply as you can through your nose, breathe out slowly and deeply through your mouth. Some people find it easier to count to five on each breath. Closing your eyes might help you to focus too.

Dealing with recurring panic attacks

Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can help you change the way you think about and interpret your symptoms. This can be prescribed through your GP.

There are ways you can help yourself prevent panic attacks as well:-

  • Work out your particular stress or trigger
  • Carry out daily breathing exercises
  • Build physical activity into your daily routine’
  • Eat regular meals
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking

Help is out there, and the psychological therapies for anxiety and panic attacks are very effective indeed. If you need help don’t forget to speak to your GP.

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