Trying to Control Panic Attacks

admin In Advice |

When a panic attack or anxiety attack happens, you try and deal with it the best way you know how. But it is not always as effective as you wish it to be. You try something that you read in a magazine to see if that helps.

So you begin to tense both shoulders, hold for 10 seconds, then release. Try it again.

No; still no difference.

You ask yourself ‘How do I control this Panic Attack?’

The anxiety is getting worse and the very fact that you are out of coping techniques worsens your panic. If only you were surrounded by your family, or a close friend were beside you so you could feel more confident in dealing with this situation.

Now, the adrenaline is really pumping through your system, your body is tingling with uncomfortable sensations, and now the dreaded feeling of losing complete control engulfs your emotions. No one around you has any idea of the sheer terror you are experiencing. For them, it’s just a regular day and another frustratingly slow queue in the supermarket.

Once again, you ask yourself ‘How do I control Panic Attacks?’

You remember something else you read.

The most basic coping skill of all is “fleeing.” Excuse yourself from the queue; you are slightly embarrassed as it is now that it is your turn to pay. The cashier is looking bewildered as you leave your shopping behind and stroll towards the door. There is no time for excuses—you need to be alone. You leave the supermarket and get into your car to ride it out alone. Could this be the big one? The one you fear will push you over the edge mentally and physically. Ten minutes later the panic subsides.

It’s 10:30 a.m. How are you going to make it through the rest of the day?

If you suffer from panic or anxiety attacks, the above scenerio probably sounds very familiar. It may have even induced feelings of anxiety and panic just reading it. The particular situations that trigger your panic and anxiety may differ; maybe the bodily sensations are a little different. Or maybe it happened to you for the first time on a plane, in the dentist chair, or even at home, while doing nothing in particular.

If you find yourself asking ‘How do I control Panic Attacks?’ but are still no nearer to taking complete control, I urge you to find out more on the Panic Away course.