A human mind is as complex as a riddle. It has its power and can even make a human powerless. Stressful situations are also part of life, whether you are going through hard times because of a relationship, work, or any other instance in your life. It is always better to address the issue and learn to cope before it completely consumes your energy. You can find help for troubles in your relationship with relationship counseling in San Diego or a simple search for Divine therapy.
Nevertheless, have you experienced a panic attack or seen someone going through one? If yes, this blog will help you understand panic attacks better.
What Are Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks are generally a fear response that a person experiences with a sudden increase in anxiety. They may not be life-threatening but can potentially affect a person’s life negatively.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Panic Attacks?
As everyone’s body is different, so is the reaction or response of body and mind. Therefore, the symptoms of a panic attack vary from one person to another, but there are few commonly shared symptoms. Some of these are listed below:
A Sudden Feeling Of Terror Or Something Terrible Might Happen.
Of all the symptoms, the most common is the feeling that something unfortunate might happen. These feelings of terror and doom keep lingering, making people lose control over the here and now.
Pounding Heart
Another symptom commonly experienced during panic attacks is an increased heart rate.
Change In Breathing
Some people may experience changes in their breathing rate, scientifically known as hyperventilation. Due to this, they start breathing rapidly, which makes breathing shallow.
A Tingling And Numbing Sensation
If you have seen anyone while having a panic attack or have experienced it, you may notice there is an urge of the human mind to clench and unclench fists. It is a response of the body to a panic attack.
Sweating And Shaking
Sweating is a natural perspiration process of the human body; however, when it is experienced at a high rate, along with trembling and shaking, it means a person has a panic attack.
Worry About Your Death
Panic attacks can be of many types. Some may show physical signs of distress, while some keep disturbing a person’s mind. For example, a person starts doubting his physical health and may feel they are on the verge of death. This symptom is a physiological effect that is quite common in panic attacks. Still, panic attacks may not be life-threatening.
Feeling Alienated From The Environment
In stressful situations, a person starts feeling distant from the surrounding environment and may become completely detached from the real world.
*These are a few common symptoms linked with panic attacks. Though everyone’s experience is unique, if you analyze the behavior, you can identify a pattern. If you are the one suffering from panic attacks or someone near to you, it will help you learn more about coping with panic attacks effectively.
Which Actions Can Help During A Panic Attack?
Panic attacks are often perceived as uncontrollable and distressing; however, specific coping strategies may help. For example:
Slow Breathing Exercises
As mentioned earlier, panic attacks make your breathing shallow and rapid. It, in turn, may have a knock-on effect on the heart rate and can intensify fearful feelings. Thus, slow breathing can help in regulating breathing back to the normal state. You need to deliberately breathe in through the nose, count to three and then breathe out from the mouth. Repeat it three to four times, and you may feel better.
Using Sense Organs
In a few cases, touching an object like a pillow may feel comforting or smelling something pungent to ground the feeling of a panic attack. These can be a good way of coping with the symptoms of a panic attack.
Approaching The Situation, Object, Or People With Small Steps
Panic attacks may give cues to a person to avoid certain situations, people, or places as they may put them in danger. So, avoiding these helps a person prevent a panic attack. But, using avoidance as a strategy will only help in the short term and may prove harmful to a person’s mental well-being in the long run. For instance, if a person is afraid of approaching pets due to a bad experience in childhood, they may start avoiding pets. However, they can not stay trapped in their homes forever, so it is better to cope with these symptoms.
One way to cope with it is by approaching stressful situations with small steps, like sitting in the same room with a pet or watching pet movies. It may help you.
*You can also find relief from panic attacks by talking to someone you trust, learning coping techniques, or with online therapy for panic attacks.
Wrap Up!
Panic attacks may not be life-threatening but need proper treatment. You can either take help from the above-mentioned coping tips or seek the use of a professional. It would be best if you do not ignore your mental health because it is as important as your physical health. Contact Dr. Lancaster if you need help and support. Take care!