Coping With Panic Attacks: What You Need to Know

By Trevor Mosley

Coping with panic attacks is a process that does not happen overnight. It requires the victim to devise a treatment plan that comprises of behaviour modification, relaxation techniques, medications as well as psychotherapies. When the treatments are combined, the victim can then manage his stress well. There are factors that cause stress levels to fluctuate: work commitments, family responsibilities etc. With ever mounting pressure, one becomes prone to panic attacks. Here are a few tips you can heed when coping with panic attacks.

Medications

Benzodiazepines type medicine such as Valium, Xanax and Ativan are prescription drugs meant to help a patient deal with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). They are used as a mean to provide short term relief.

For long term treatment, the patient may be given Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) such as Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft. In severe cases, patients may be prescribed anti-seizure drugs. It is important that the patient use these forms of drugs occasionally and only when needed because they can impede the body's natural system of coping with panic attacks.

Therapy and Counselling

During therapy sessions, the patient is taught several techniques that will help him to relax. He is also encouraged to make some positive changes in the way he thinks and in his lifestyle. He also learns how to divert these thoughts so that they become positive and rationalised, allowing him to overcome his fears head on.

The patient is also urged to learn more and understand the causes and symptoms of panic attacks. The knowledge that he acquires will prepare him should a panic attack act up again. Yoga and meditation sessions are effective in soothing one's mind as well and are therapeutic sessions where the patient is freed of stress. He can seek solace in support groups where he will find fellow victims.

Natural Remedies

Eons ago, our ancestors have discovered many medicinal herbs that assist one in coping with anxiety. These herbal remedies are available in the form of warm tea or tincture. They can help one sleep better as well as relax his mood.

* St. John's Wort

* Passionflower

* Catnip tea

* Skullcap

* Passionflower

* Skullcap

* Kava

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

There are several methods that have risen in eminence in recent years. These holistic methods help to improve overall health, which is more effective than isolating and treating a symptom at a time. A person under hypnosis is able to shift his attention away from his fears and onto positive and rational thoughts. Exercising helps to enhance one's mood. A person who exercises regularly is also able to sleep better. Exercising also allows one to let out all his pent up emotions.

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. - 30450

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