Panic attacks may also be a part of you life if you are one of those who suffer from an anxiety disorder. Although there are quite a number of medications, panic attack patients can still suffer from the disorder. Although anticipating how and when a panic attack may happen quite difficult to tell, you can take small incremental actions to be ready during such cases and in order to regain control of your life.
First step is to re-learn to breathe. If a panic attack strikes, the feeling is so consuming making the person forget to breathe properly. There are many doctors who has the advocacy of practicing safe breathing for calming the sufferer having a panic attack. In fact, you may have witnessed someone trying to help a panic attack sufferer in the public– giving the sufferer a paper bag to breathe. This may be an effective technique, however one must know and practice a breathing exercise before a panic attack sets in. One must have a plan and learn to know some breathing techniques to aid in calming down in case attacks come along.
There are also other relaxation methods that may be able to help you on preventing panic attacks. One relaxation technique is meditation, although it is quite hard to meditate when you’re experiencing a panic attack, but by learning this relaxation technique, you can use some of the same calming processes that will to calm you down.
Another important way to prepare yourself for the onset of a panic is to know its triggers. Do you suffer from a specific phobia? Is excess pressure of life and stress your downfall? Do specific situations seem impossible for you to avoid? When you become aware of what triggers your panic reactions, you can then have a solution to avoid such situations. Also, take necessary caution and be medically prepared for panic attacks.
When you leave the home, take a list of emergency contacts, which ideally should enclose your Doctor’s number, your local crisis help hotline, and key members of your personal support systems. It is best to make use of these phone numbers if you experience that a panic attack is coming along. Another person will find those information for you in your purse, bag, or wallet, in case you are not capable of doing so.
It is good to take with you a bag to help you feel more comfortable and give you a calming mood during a panic attack. A crucial element of the contents is any prescribed medications you may be taking, including dosage instructions when taking it.
You can also include an item from home that will help you feel calmer. For example, this could be a herbal tea, a religious item, photos, a favorite stuffed toy, handcream, money and etc to help make you relax and provide distraction from the start of the panic attack.
Always remember that comfort is the key to prevention panic attacks.
Fiona Clarkson has been in the field of panic attacks symptoms for a long time and have a website on panic attacks tips where you can get answers to the rest of your questions.