What Are the Symptoms of a Panic Attack?
Panic attacks cause intense fear and your heart rate and breathing to speed up. These effects typically manifest themselves quickly, leaving you feeling dizzy and exhausted.
Panic attacks are often due to stress. Panic attacks may also be triggered by a family history of anxiety disorders, depression or other mental health conditions.
Coping with a panic attack doesn’t have to be complicated. Try talking to a therapist or doctor, learning relaxation techniques and breathing techniques, or joining a support group for extra support.
Deterging yourself from certain activities can also help. For instance, try to abstain from smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
If you have a history of recurrent attacks, medication may be necessary. These drugs can reduce their frequency or prevent them altogether.
Your medical professional will evaluate your symptoms and develop a treatment plan based on this data. They may suggest medication, psychotherapy or both in combination.
You can learn to manage your symptoms by focusing on something outside yourself, like counting backwards in threes from 100 or listening to music. Doing this helps distract yourself from panic and give yourself time for relaxation.
Altering your diet can also have a positive effect. Eating less meat and drinking more fruit and vegetables will help you feel fuller for longer.
Exercise can also be beneficial, increasing blood flow and relieving stress.
Panic attacks are generally not dangerous, but they can be unpleasant and make you feel depressed or anxious. To reduce its likelihood, try to stay away from cigarette smoke, alcohol and caffeine.
