There are countless stories of people going to the emergency room because they think that they have been struck with something severe, like a heart attack or stroke, only to find out later that they had a panic attack. Panic attacks are more common than many people think, but many people also think that a panic attack will never happen to them. This is not always the case. Panic attacks can strike anyone suddenly and for many reasons. The good news is that there are many effective treatments for people who struggle with panic attacks.
How to Navigate a Panic Attack
It may seem obvious, but one of the most important things to do when navigating a panic attack is not to panic. Of course, this is easier said than done. That is why knowing some techniques to reduce the feelings of panic can be so important.
For example, knowing some breathing exercises can greatly help when navigating a panic attack. This may be as simple as breathing in for a count of five, holding it for two, and breathing out for a count of five. This can help to reduce the stress and anxiety brought on by a panic attack, as well as lower heart rate and blood pressure.
There are also mental and emotional exercises that one can do to reduce the potency of a panic attack. This may involve having a peaceful place in your mind that you can access when you feel like a panic attack is coming on. There are also helpful mantras that one can silently repeat to help reduce the mental pain of a panic attack. Again, this can be as simple as repeating, “I am okay, this will pass.” It can also be critical to understand what panic attacks are exactly, as well as the origin of why you may be struggling with them.
What Is a Panic Attack?
So, what exactly is a panic attack? First, panic attacks are related to something commonly referred to as “panic disorder.” According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Panic Disorder, by Doctors Cackovic, Nazir, and Marwaha, “Among all anxiety disorders, [panic disorder] has the highest number of medical visits and serves as a very costly mental health condition. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as ‘an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort,’ reaching a peak within minutes. Four or more of a specific set of physical symptoms accompany a panic attack.”
Now, what might cause a panic attack? Many believe that it is biological due to the efficacy of pharmacology for treatment. According to the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, “A neurochemical imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is thought to cause PD symptoms. This biological theory is evidenced by the symptom reduction effects of antidepressant or anxiolytic medication in many PD sufferers. Treatments of PD have utilized several groups of drugs, including benzodiazepines, tricyclic and heterocyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).” Of course, before seeking help, one must first know what to look out for.
The Signs and Symptoms of a Panic Attack
There are many signs and symptoms that a panic attack may be occurring. It is important to know what to look out for because then you know the appropriate next steps to take, especially if there is a history of panic attacks. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Sudden profuse sweating
- Uncontrollable and trembling hands
- Shortness of breath
- Racing heart
- A surge in anxiety
- Feeling numb or tingling
- A sudden feeling of dread
- Feeling out of control
- Overwhelming fear
Now, while these symptoms may feel intense, the good news is that they will pass. The key is to navigate them calmly so they can pass as quickly and painlessly as possible. There are many means, methods, and modalities that can help with this.
Effective Treatment Options for Panic Attacks
The primary areas of mental health and addiction treatment can be very helpful for panic attacks. This includes psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These can be particularly beneficial because they can help get to the underlying cause of the panic attack, which is what really needs to be addressed.
Holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation can also be critical for treating panic attacks and stopping them from being so prevalent. This is because they can help to quiet the mind and aid in breathing exercises, among many other benefits.
Our Primary Purpose at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, our primary purpose is to help anyone recover who wants it, by any means necessary. This includes those needlessly suffering from panic attacks. There is a solution.
It is time for the panic to end. Yes, it is time to recover! We can help.
Many people struggle with panic attacks. Millions of people experience panic attacks every year. This can be highly disruptive to everyday life. The good news is that there are ways to navigate panic attacks so they are less disruptive to everyday life. This includes effective long-term options for treating panic attacks. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about effective treatment options for panic attacks, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
