How to Cope With a Panic Attack

How to Cope With a Panic Attack

Panic attacks are a terrifying experience. They can last for hours and are akin to a nightmare. The symptoms can include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and even nausea. Depending on the individual, it could cause hospitalization. However, with a bit of knowledge, you can easily prevent or at least minimize the symptoms.

First off, you can try to understand how panic attacks work. These are a result of your sympathetic nervous system going into overdrive when you’re scared. This translates to your brain pumping adrenaline throughout your body, which kicks off a whole host of symptoms.

When you get an attack, you’ll likely feel like you’re being hunted. You’ll lose your balance, your heart rate will skyrocket, and you’ll experience a variety of symptoms that mimic what you would experience if you fell off a cliff. In the worst-case scenario, you may feel so weak that you collapse.

To help alleviate the effects of a panic attack, take a deep breath. Breathe into your stomach, not your mouth. Your mouth is more likely to sneeze, which can make the experience worse.

Another thing to do is to focus on an object. Focusing on an object can be a great way to distract yourself from the symptoms of a panic attack. If you have a friend who is suffering from an attack, try talking in a slow, steady voice. This will help calm them down.

Finally, don’t forget to exercise. Even if you’re not having an attack, you’ll benefit from a little exercise. Exercise is known to decrease stress, and that’s good for anyone.