Coping with Anxiety and Panic Attacks

20% of the adult population have experienced a panic attack which if left untreated can become a more regular occurrence. Even the fear of anticipating the next panic attack can be quite overwhelming for most people.

Typical signs of a panic attack are a pounding heart, profuse sweating and thoughts racing through the head which can be brought on without warning during any daily activity. Other symptoms include a tingling sensation in the limbs and a feeling of faintness. Some people can get so panicked that they will admit themselves to the emergency room in the mistaken belief that they’re having a full blown cardiac arrest.

One of the causes of panic attacks is chronic stress which can be caused by financial worries, loss of a job, or perhaps a divorce, but more generally through unresolved emotional issues. People can have a full blown panic attack because they have grown up with type of emotional trauma which they have repressed and never really dealt with.  The situation can be exasperated through lack of sleep and the use of drugs, nicotine and alcohol or a poor diet which is high in sugar and caffeine which can all contribute to feelings of anxiety.

Panic attacks can affect both men and woman, but women are much more likely to seek help whereas men typically tend to internalize anxiety and stress and may even use alcohol to feel more relaxed.  Use of alcohol is not a long term effective treatment and can even lead to alcoholism.

If you do experience a panic attack the first thing to concentrate on is your breathing. When we’re anxious we tend to breathe more shallow which in turn leads to increase in heart rate. You should take deep breaths and try to relax.  Longer term treatment should include therapy, medication  and a healthier lifestyle. Follow the basics of self care with exercise and diet, while surrounding yourself with a support network that you can talk with and discuss any issues, so that you don’t have to live alone in fear.

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Joe Barry is an international panic disorder coach. His informative site on all issues related to panic and anxiety attacks can be found here: http://www.panicportal.com