Suffering from a panic attack for the first time is a very unpleasant experience. There are neither manuals nor instructions that have prepared people for a panic attack. It can be a debilitating experience that a lot of people would never like to happen again. If you have suffered one and wants to learn how to avoid experiencing another one again, here are some tips that you can use to move on from your harrowing panic attack experience.
It may happen again
People that have experienced a panic for the first time should understand that it may happen again. The best thing to do is to become wiser and prepare for it the next time it happens. Anxiety symptoms and stress can contribute to panic attacks. The bad thing about this is the fact that we cannot turn off anxiety and stress. These two are in our DNA and the problem is that there is no switch that we can use. It is important to realize that the panic attacks are harmless, which can be a consolation prize for the sufferers.
It helps to know the source
When you know that it can happen, it pays to know what could possibly trigger it. There are a lot of things that could potentially trigger a panic attack. The first culprit could be adrenaline which is being released to the body to help boost the energy when we are confronted with a “flee or flight” response. Hyperventilation can also cause panic attacks. It may cause the heart to beat faster, but it would not cause any permanent damage as long as you are able to contain the attacks.
It helps to expose to the phobias
An excellent treatment for panic situations is to gradually expose oneself to the things that may cause you to panic. This is not fun and there is no way to sugar-coat it. But the thing that will not kill you will only make you stronger. When you are about to hyperventilate try to counter it by becoming more active. This would make your body breathe deeper and cause you to be calmer and more composed.
It helps to have a friend
When you are becoming conscious on how you breathe or start hyperventilating it pays to have a friend by your side who has empathy for you. It is a great way to distract yourself and avert a potential panic attack. Call them or have them nearby. It you can have someone that you are with in the office or to have your wife or husband as your confidante. A soothing and reassuring voice can help you think away from the panic and you will feel a lot safer. Well, they are also helpful especially when they need to call the ambulance if it comes to worse.
It helps to drink more water
Water is perhaps the most mysterious anti-anxiety treatment. When you are starting to panic, water has a way to calm the nerves and the act of drinking is a way to tell yourself that everything will be alright.
Panic attacks may ruin your life but it should not. There are no cures for panic attacks only control over the triggers like stress and anxiety. Learn to manage stress and you will no longer experience panic attacks. For more helpful information about panic attacks, please visit Calm Clinic.
