How To

How to Cope With a Panic Attack

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear and terror. The fear is generally unwarranted, but not less real. Unjustifiable fear makes coping with a panic attack difficult. To cope with a panic attack, individuals must be prepared.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Make an appointment with a therapist or counselor who specializes in Anxiety Disorders. A good therapist can help you practice and perfect the techniques to manage panic attacks.

  2. Step 2

    Recognize your panic attack symptoms and determine what causes the anxiety. Learn deep breathing and relaxation exercises. Use them daily.

  3. Step 3

    Write down the following on a 3x5 card: a panic attack cannot--cause a heart attack--cause me to stop breathing--cause me to faint--cause me to lose my balance--make me go crazy--cause me to lose control of myself. Carry this card with you at all times.

  4. Step 4

    Write down on the same card a coping statement, such as "I can be anxious and still deal with this situation," or "This anxiety won't hurt me--even if it doesn't feel good."

  5. Step 5

    When you have a panic attack, use your coping methods to ride it out. Allow your body to feel the sensations, while understanding you will be ok.

Tips & Warnings
  • Practice deep breathing and relaxation daily. See the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook for more suggestions that are detailed.
  • Talking with others about your condition; having a confidant is an important way to cope with panic attacks.
  • You cannot over prepare for a panic attack; the more you have in your arsenal the better you will be able to cope.

Comments  

Seng said

Flag This Comment

on 8/15/2008 Hi, I am the author of http://panicattackresearch.blogspot.com

Do not worry, I am not spamming my site - my site don't sell products or anything. My site is solely dedicated to panic-attacks or people whom have anxiety. I give tips on how to sleep even if you have anxiety.
Please do visit and post any questions there or here so that I can help you further.

I have been a sufferer for 12-years and am doing well. My blog is dedicated to help. I will be updating my blog every 5-7 days on new ways to cope anxiety. I have just made few good entries on coping - I hope it will help you.

I started out taking prozac 20mg daily.. then it dropped to 10mg and now I am just taking 5mg and still doing very well. I might be considering taking medication off my life.
And most importantly, I am here to help you because I know how it feels to have anxiety or panic attacks.


There are free t

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