Grasping Anxiety Attacks

By Julie U. Stevenson

Is your heart going faster? Does it feel like it's about to pound right out of your chest? Then of course your throat is feeling tight, and your ability to breathe seems to diminish. Add in the nausea and you'll find that all of these are accompanies with overwhelming fear. You can't get control over yourself, and death is right around the corner.

Even though it doesn't always feel this way, this is a panic attack. If you've experienced any of this, you may be one of many who have a panic disorder. It's important to understand that a panic disorder is a category of an anxiety disorder. While the number may seem small, 2-3% of anxiety sufferers are affected by this condition. However, around thirty percent of the patients may experience panic attacks at some point.

One thing to understand is that panic disorders are often misunderstood. The truth is we don't know exactly why they occur, or even what makes a person susceptible to them. We only know that it appears in the teenage years and early adulthood. On a statistical standpoint, more women are diagnosed with the disorder.

Symptoms can vary widely between sufferers, but can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. They generally include chest pain, difficulty breathing, an impending feeling of doom, shaking or trembling, feeling faint, nausea or vomiting, or hot or cold flashes. These often appear out of the blue, with no apparent triggering event or place.

There are ways to control a panic disorder, and one of the best ways is by avoiding the places associated with your attacks. Maybe its small spaces, the mall, or a million other places, but the point is if you can stay away from them you can control your panic disorder a little better.

You will find research out there that there have been findings of potential causes. It only takes one bad experience, and when you keep it inside, the bad things to come is always on your mind.

The good news is there are several treatments for panic disorder. However, it's important to find the right one for you. One angle is when your doctor prescribes anti-depressants. We definitely don't recommend going this route, simply because they've pretty much been proven not to work. Instead you will end up covering up the real issue. Plus you have to think about the side effects and possible addiction.

Since medication of that nature is out the window, a natural approach might be your best bet. Having the proper rest, exercising, and changing your diet may play a major role in controlling and reducing your anxiety disorder. Heck, just getting 8-10 hours a sleep can reduce anxiety by 50%. You can find some good self-help books on this and other natural benefits online.

Some experts believe that stress can play a role in panic disorder. Exercise is an excellent stress reliever. In addition to relieving stress, exercise helps you maintain a healthy body weight, necessary to keeping hormone levels in balance.

The use of food as a method of preventing panic disorder is a relatively new concept. Research has found that some foods tend to increase anxiety. These include coffee, dairy products made of cow's milk, refined sugar, honey and maple syrup. It may be helpful to keep a food log so you can identify what foods appear in conjunction with panic attacks.

Relaxation is also key. When you are relaxed, anxiety and fear are diminished. Your nerves are more stable and you are better able to handle situations you may be faced with. Yoga and meditation can help soothe your spirit. Some patients have found aromatherapy helpful in relaxing and keeping stress at bay. Bergamot, chamomile, lavender and ylang ylang are all well-known for their calming properties.

Granted, it's possible this won't cure your panic disorder. However, it can reduce and control your panic attacks. The idea is to have as much of a normal life as you can. - 32513

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