How To Handle A Panic Disorder

The first time it happens you may have no clue what is going on. All you know is that suddenly you can't move, you can't breathe, and you are terrified. Your heart starts to race and you begin to sweat, feel nauseated and you begin to panic. You panic because of this crazy fear you have and don't know what to do. When it passes you look around you and realize that everything is okay but are confused about what just happened. This is what they call a panic attack. It is a panic disorder that strikes millions of people of all ages and backgrounds and it comes on suddenly and usually out of nowhere.

For some people, after the first attack they may actually forget about it until it happens again years later. For others, the attacks start to happen more frequently, leaving them feeling like they are going crazy. When this disorder is left untreated and unrecognized, a person can start to feel depressed, scared about what is going on with them and in some cases even suicidal. That is why it is important to know how to handle and treat this disorder.

Symptoms vary from person to person but the common factor is the intense fear that comes with the attacks. And, this is followed by the fear that the attack will happen again in the future. If you suspect that you may have this disorder, it is important to see your doctor to confirm it. It may be something else that is causing the attacks or you may need treatment. Either way, once you know what is going on you can look for ways to deal with it.

Once it is confirmed that you do in fact have this disorder it would be a good idea to start learning everything possible about it. It is a frightening experience to go through and reading about other people going through the same thing can help. After you have a better understanding of what the attacks are you can find ways to help lessen or deal with an ongoing attack.

There may be certain situations in your life that are triggering the attacks. Paying attention and noting when the attacks occur will help you see what possible triggers there may be. It could come from stressful situations, places, or people. If you notice that the attacks come when you are in a crowd or the elevator, find ways to avoid those situations till you can gain control over the episodes.

Certain stimulants, medications, beverages, and food can also trigger attacks. Talk over your diet with your doctor to see if any of the foods may be causing it. Alcohol and caffeine have also been connected to triggering attacks in some people. Any medications that stimulate you and make you more alert also play a part in weakening your body's fight or flight mechanism and can send someone into panic mode

Many sufferers of this disorder find that they can talk themselves down from an attack. They start by taking control of their breathing so that they can breathe calmly. Then they tell themselves they are having an attack and nothing is going to happen to them. Once they accept what is happening, they can handle it better. Sitting down and doing breathing exercises helps for a lot of people, some like to breathe into a paper bag.