How to Stop Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are triggered reactions, which may be attributed to different causes. There are causes that cannot be avoided or removed such as genetics, or progressively degenerating diseases like Alzheimer so the panic attacks due to these triggers can only be managed through medication and therapy.
If a panic attack has already set on, the trick with of breathing into a paper bag really does work. During hyperventilation, the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide intake are askew, and breathing in a paper bag brings back some of the carbon dioxide into the system.
Ask your doctor about getting a prescription for mild sedatives, if the panic attacks happen often, but also ask if there is any danger for dependence on the drug, or what the withdrawal symptoms will be.
The best way to prevent panic attacks from happening is to remove the triggers or contributing factors that you can from your environment:
1. Avoid stimulating substances like caffeine, nicotine, and narcotics. Not only do these substances trigger an attack, so will removing them from your system after a prolonged use.
2. If the panic attack is due to a certain type of prescription medication, ask your doctor for an alternative.
3. Since some panic attacks are due to nutritional deficiencies and parasitic infections, make sure that you have a good diet, and that your surroundings are always clean. While on the subject of nutrition, avoid food that will cause your sugar to spike.
4. If the panic attacks are due to you being too passive all the time, this may be a call for you to take a few self-improvement lessons, and boost your confidence.
5. If the trigger is an external one, get therapy help to be able to “face your fears”. This will help you identify the cause for the phobia and in time allay that fear.
6. It is also good to take a breather now and then because stress can weaken your ability to fight off a panic attack. Stress also affects many of the functions and systems of your body, which can in turn trigger an attack. If you feel that your stress levels are too high, then it may be time to go on a relaxing vacation.
The important thing in trying to stop panic attacks is to identify the underlying cause. This is not something that you can do by yourself effectively, and will need the help of a professional.
