Coping With Panic Attacks: What You Need to Know
Learning to cope with panic attacks takes time and it requires one to incorporate medications, behaviour modification, relaxation techniques as well as psychotherapies into his treatment plan. The collective effects of the three will help the victim better manage his stress. There are many aspects of one’s life that can bring about an undue amount of stress: work obligations, family needs as well as other commitments. One is inundated with overwhelming pressure and this can give rise to anxiety. Here are a couple of ways you can take when coping with panic attacks.
Medications
Medications available for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) include the class of benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax and Ativan. These compounds work to relieve tension and restlessness. Benzodiazepines are termed “tranquilizers” and are administered for short term relief in more of a rescue fashion.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) such as Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft are geared for long term treatment but can take up to a month before any beneficial effects are realized. Anti-seizure drugs are used in more extreme cases. Use these types of medication sparingly as they tend to inhibit the body’s natural effectiveness in coping with panic attacks.
Therapy and Counselling
It is during therapy sessions that the patient acquires several useful relaxation techniques that he can use during his episode. Through counselling, he is also advised to reiterate affirmations and change the way he thinks. The therapist will also look into ways where he can change his lifestyle. The patient will also learn how to project his thoughts such that they are positive and rationalised. This will help him tackle his fears.
Psychotherapy helps the patient to understand the causes and the process of the illness so they can better deal with panic attacks. Yoga and meditation help in relaxation and can be good stress reducers Support groups are available to provide group reinforcement from those that have similar issues.
Natural Remedies
Over the centuries, there have been many medicinal herbs used to help one in coping with anxiety. Some of them are offered to the patient in the form of warm tea or tincture. They are known to induce sleep and help one to relax his senses.
* St. John’s Wort
* Passionflower
* Valerian
* St. John’s Wort
* Passionflower
* Valerian
* Skullcap
Health supplements and vitamins can be taken if one is determined to attain mental wellness. Popping Bacopin can help to bring down one’s anxiety level. Vitamin B-12 helps with the release of essential neurotransmitters into the brain too. Chamomile is also unmatched when it comes to its effects to relieving stress. It is known to have a tranquilizing effect and it inhibits the release of stress causing chemicals.
Best of the Rest
Other, less utilized methods have gained popularity in recent years. Holistic techniques centre on healing the entire body instead of centring on a specific symptom or body system. Hypnosis is has shown some promise in its ability to shift focus away from fears and towards healing and rational thinking. Exercise works as an antidepressant and a sleep aid, plus it provides an excellent way to vent pent up frustration and anger.
Another technique that is fast becoming popular is the stimulation of one’s brain to trigger endorphins. They are natural mood enhancers that are produced when one is exercising or having an intense work out. Endorphins are also released after sex. Acupuncture sessions restore one’s calmness through the stimulation of endorphins.
Trevor Mosley is an ex-sufferer of anxiety and panic attacks. Head along to his website today in order to discover how you can overcome your anxiety and panic attacks once and for all.
