A panic attack can be a frightening and emotionally scarring experience, particularly when someone experiences these attacks frequently and feels powerless to prevent them. There are many tips for panic attack self help that can provide assistance in the midst of an attack, but the best kinds of help available involve addressing the underlying issue that causes the attacks. Relaxation, focus, and self-control are all key components to avoiding panic attacks and getting through them when they do occur. Fear and stress, on the other hand, often exacerbate anxiety and lead to longer or worse panic attacks. Most people with enough practice and support can fully recover from these attacks using panic attack self help.
The best tip for panic attack self help is developing awareness. If someone understands what brings on panic attacks as well as what the attacks feel like at all stages, it will be easier to develop methods of coping with the attacks and avoiding them. Developing the capacity to have rational thoughts when confronted with a panic attack stimulus can avoid the attack altogether. Taking steps to stop a panic attack in its tracks at the earliest time possible may prevent a panic attack from occurring as well.
Unfortunately, many people come to fear panic attacks, and when they feel attacks coming on, they panic and make the symptoms worse. In these cases, being conscious of what is happening can be the best panic attack self help. It is difficult to maintain normal thought patterns during an anxiety attack, but with practice, this becomes easier.
There are several tips that can help one get through a panic attack if it is unavoidable. The person must take deep breaths and, if possible, stretch or exercise to relieve tension. If attacks occur frequently at work or at home, it is often helpful to set up a safe space where he or she can go and be alone until the attack passes. Understanding that a panic attack will only last a few minutes can be the best relief possible. Setting a timer for ten minutes and meditating can often relieve even serious anxiety symptoms.
Of course, a person cannot fully recover using panic attack self help techniques without addressing the underlying cause of the anxiety disorder. One way to track down what is causing the attacks is to keep a journal of all panic attacks experienced. Talking to a therapist or close friend can also help shed some light on the problem at hand. While figuring out the cause can be helpful, some people do experience anxiety without a particular stimulus or cause, and for these people, awareness of their disorder may be enough to diffuse some of the anxiety's power. As with many other mental difficulties, knowledge is the first step to recovery.
