Stopping Panic Attacks Here and Now

More often than not, panic attacks are like thieves in the night, creeping up on you in the most unexpected, inopportune moments. It may seem hopeless especially for individuals experiencing for the first time the signs and symptoms of the mental condition. The good news is that there are ways of stopping panic attacks in the here and now instead of having to suffer through long episodes of the symptoms.

Look Into Yourself

A panic attack is an episode where intense feelings of fear, anxiety and apprehension take sudden hold of the individual. Think of it as your fight and flight response except that there is nothing in your immediate reality and vicinity to be afraid of.

The better thing to do is start to calm down. It may sound absurd giving this piece of advice when your mind and body are anything but calm. Keep in mind, however that there is nothing to be had if you feed the fear in your head and your heart simply because it will only serve to exacerbate your situation, akin to feeding fire with gasoline.

To start the process of stopping panic attacks, you can adopt the following effective self-help techniques:

• Acknowledge that the panic attack is happening, which will lead to the realization that nothing bad is happening or is going to happen to you in the immediate future.
• Adopt the physical and mental relaxation techniques taught by your therapist, of which the most effective is going to a quieter place, sitting still and then performing deep breathing in a slow manner. It also helps to "empty your mind" and just focus on your abdominal breathing.
• Think only of positive thoughts especially about yourself. This might seem difficult at the stage you are in but it is possible with just a little concentration and determination.
• Take your time. There is no sense in trying to hurry up when you are in the process of stopping the attack simply because you will feel the extra pressure, which cannot be good in your already panicked state.
• Take your medicines, if you have been prescribed with them by your medical provider.

It will definitely be for everybody's good if and when you have calmed down to your normal state instead of appearing ready to become yet another train wreck.

Look for Outside Help

You cannot do everything in your quest to be treated of your panic attacks. At some point in your stubborn refusal to keep the people around you in the dark about your condition, you have to solicit their help.

Such help can come in many forms. It may be their understanding should you suddenly become fearful, anxious and apprehensive for no apparent reason at all. It may be in their support while you undergo treatment with your psychotherapist and take medications especially where the financial and emotional aspects are concerned. It may be that they, too, will participate in stopping panic attacks if and when they are with you when it happens.

You can conquer your panic attacks. It will take almost equal doses of helping yourself and seeking the help of others but is very much possible.

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