How to Cope with an Anxiety/Panic attack
People that have Anxiety disorder often experience it in severity sometimes when they have panic attacks. The entire body is affected during a panic attack because it is in flight mode due to triggers that sent some signals to the brain. More activity and oxygen supply go to the brain leaving other parts of the body exhausted.
In most cases, there are no real threats so this makes people affected look estranged from other persons. Those affected are often aware that they are having a panic attack. A panic attack is often demobilizing and disabling. It can make coping with everyday life unbearable.
Here are some ways to manage your anxiety attacks whenever they occur. It is not a treatment for anxiety because all treatments must be administered by a Psychiatrist based on diagnosis and your peculiar situation.
1. Close your eye
When you are faced with a panic attack you can close your eyes to reduce the sensations from the surrounding that is triggering the anxiety. Closing the eyes prevent sensory stimuli from contributing to the anxiety that you are experiencing. If the source is identifiable closing your eyes may work temporarily to manage the attack.
2. Deep breathing
Your heartbeat is faster when you are having a panic attack. That is because of the high level of adrenaline which prepares the body for flight and somewhat has a disabling effect on the body. Deep breathing can help calm down the body and ensure adequate oxygen is supplied to every part of the body. As you take each deep breath, the body relaxes.
3. Mindfulness
Meditation when mastered can help people cope with anxiety and panic attacks. It is a way of maintaining peace of the mind from troubling thoughts. It is one being in harmony with the self. It may not help to start doing mindfulness just when you are faced with a panic attack. Rather you should practice it regularly so that it can be easily applied when faced with an attack.
4. Muscle relaxation techniques
When panic attacks occur, there is muscle tension as well. The tension in the body will keep the mind tense and worsen the anxiety and panic attacks. That is why muscle relaxation is encouraged, As the tensed muscles relax, the brain is signaled that the source of anxiety is not there and symptoms will start reducing. The increase in a heartbeat will also reduce drastically when muscles are relaxed.
To get the right solution to your anxiety problem, you need to first get a diagnosis from a Psychiatrist. You will be guided on the best treatment option for you.
If you are facing problems with anxiety disorder, don’t bear the burden alone. Seek help.