Were you aware that phobias can induce panic attacks? Remember this the next time that you find it funny that somebody has, what may seem to be an irrational fear of something. Not only do these people have to deal with their phobia, but also the terrible panic attack that ensues. If you find this interesting, read the rest of this article.
Participating in deep breathing a few times a day can help keep your body relaxed and free from panic attacks. Start by breathing through your nose to your stomach on a slow count of four, and then breathe out through your mouth for four. Increase to five, six, and beyond as you can.
During a panic attack you can be overtaken by worrisome “what if” statements, so a great way to get out of that mindset is to change them to “So what?” For example, “What if I fail my test?” turns into “SO WHAT if I fail my test?” Nothing is so bad it’s worth suffering over!
Panic attacks are terrifying because the person experiencing them has the sudden overwhelming fear that they are going to die. The important thing to remember about panic attacks is that you can control them cognitively. Your brain is taking normal everyday stimuli (a shift in the road while driving, for example), and interpreting them in a fearful way. You can course-correct this fearful interpretation by trying to recall what the source of that stimulus could be. This will reduce your fear and your panic should subside somewhat.
Become the person you need to be to beat panic attacks. If you want to be a confident person, imagine you are. If you want to have more control in your life, BELIEVE that you have complete control. Whenever you feel the opposite way stop what you’re doing, clear your mind of the bad thoughts, and remember you are the person you want to be.
When you feel a panic attack coming on, try breathing into a paper bag, or cup your hands around your mouth as you breathe. Breathing too quickly can actually cause you to take in too much oxygen, which contributes to a lightheaded, panicky feeling.
Change your environment when you feel a panic attack coming on. When you start feeling those familiar feelings, walk away and go to another location. Removing yourself from a situation might be enough to calm you down. Simply leaving the space where the panic attack began could disrupt the panic attack altogether.
Visualize yourself lying in a field of bubbles when you have your next panic attack. As they begin to burst you are able to move lower and lower into the pile of bubbles. The pile is never-ending so you know you are fully supported, relaxed, and surrounded by joy and love.
In conclusion, you may have not realized that panic attacks can be as bad or worse than people’s phobias. Now, not only do you realize this, but you know a lot more useful information about panic attacks that will help you to better understand yourself, as well as other people.