Panic attacks remain very serious psychological conditions that can prove quite jarring for the person that experiences them. When an attack occurs, the feeling can be overwhelming and the duration can be interminable. Some may wonder how to deal with such a problem. Often, the key to overcoming this is following a number of atypical steps that can lead to alleviating the problem. Often, these methods are a far better (and safer) alternative to the common prescription therapies that are utilized.
Controlling your breathing. Of all the panic attack symptoms that are most frightening, hyperventilating is probably the most difficult to deal with. However, if you start to hyperventilate, you can get control of your breathing by taking slow, deep, controlled breaths. Usually, breathing deeply while counting down from 10 – 0 is a helpful process
Yoga, and the art of medication can also help. The deep breathing and the relaxation necessary to induce trance-like meditation can really help to minimize the severity of panic attacks, and lessen their duration too. Even if it is not practicable to assume the yoga position, if in a public place, the breathing technique and the muscle relaxation are enough to help to bring an attack under control.
Being helped by someone you are familiar and comfortable with can also be of assistance, even if you only talk to them on the telephone. The simple act of having a friendly ear to listen to what you are going through, your fears and your worries can be of huge benefit. You may also find it useful (especially if you live alone) to join a support group. The good thing about support groups is that you are amongst fellow sufferers, so you can talk to people who are experiencing the same problems that you are. You can swap ideas and experiences and maybe learn some new techniques off them that could help you. It is also comforting to know that you are not alone.
Facing your phobias. Many times, a anxiety attack can be brought forth due to extreme psychological fear. In some instances, the person may not even be consciously aware of what he/she is fearful of. This is why it may be best to take the proper steps to directly identify, recognize, and face your phobias in order to reduce their impact. Such a direct and confrontational approach may work quite well as a means of overcoming panic attacks.
If you are to be successful in overcoming panic attacks, it is necessary to gain a full understanding, not only of the root cause, but how and why it manifests itself. The support group option we mentioned earlier can be very helpful to this end, as can reading and researching the condition on the web.
Diverting your attention is a very useful strategy, so it can be helpful if you compile a short list of phrases or sayings, or maybe even jot down the words of a favorite soothing song to sing to yourself.
It may also be beneficial to seek the help of a professional therapist. Such a person is of course trained in these matters and may be able to find the cause even if you can’t. Once found, they may also be able to help you to deal with it.