People who live with anxiety and panic attacks know that coping alone is not the answer. Addressing a panic disorder means seeking out several different avenues of panic attack help to determine the underlying causes of the attacks, and learn to cope with them in the most effective manner. While no one combination of panic attack help options will be ideal in each case, many people find solace and support from professional medical care, counseling, and involvement with support groups.
Many people assume that the causes of panic attacks are always mental or emotional. While these are often factors in the development of anxiety and the various phobias that trigger panic attacks, there is also the possibility of a physical origin. A weakened immune system may cause the nervous system to be more vulnerable to attack by viruses and bacteria that in turn deplete the body of essential nutrients like potassium, thiamine, and other nutrients which provide the building blocks needed by the brain to produce the right balance of neurotransmitters. For this reason, having a physical checkup to identify what is out of balance, and why, makes it possible to treat the underlying cause and begin on the road to healing.
Once the origin of the attacks is identified, some type of counseling is often an essential panic attack help strategy. Counselors who are familiar with the fear that the attacks cause can often bring a great deal of solace to panic attack sufferers. The ability to speak with someone in a safe environment and to receive help in working through the attacks can be of immeasurable value. Depending on the nature of the attacks, the counseling may include the use of specific therapies to undermine the power of the attacks, with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) being one of the more common therapeutic options.
Another important form of panic attack help is involvement in a support group. Some groups focus on specific situations, such as panic attacks during pregnancy, or panic attacks in children. Other groups are more inclusive of people of all ages and genders who are living with anxiety and panic disorder. An immediate benefit of this type of panic attack help is the realization that you are not alone. Others are going through similar situations and understand the thoughts and feelings that are sometimes hard to put into words. Groups of this type provide a place to vent frustration, share triumphs over panic episodes, and share ideas of what has and has not worked for different people. Panic attack support groups are found in many cities and towns, and are also available online, often with no charge to participants.
One of the most important assets in recovery from panic attacks is the support and understanding of loved ones. This form of panic attack help is especially essential during times when the sufferer feels unworthy, or like a burden to others. Family and friends who learn how to support a loved one during his or her recovery from panic attacks, and follow through with what they learn, can often minimize the periods of depression that often follow a day filled with anxiety and panic.
There is no one right combination of panic attack help strategies that works for everyone. Some people find that medication is important to recovery, while others find that counseling is more effective. Just about all people suffering from panic disorder benefit from involvement with others struggling with the condition, and the support of loved ones. Look into each of these resources, and identify the combination that is right for you. In time, you’ll find the panic attacks are less severe, easier to float through, and eventually become a thing of the past.
