You’re short of breath. You’re heart won’t stop racing, you’re unbelievably tense, and you feel like you can’t breathe. What is wrong with you? Why do you feel this way? What is a “Panic Attack”? A panic attack occurs when the body gets overloaded with stress. It cannot handle the anxiety it is being put under, and so then it manifests itself into what is termed a “Panic Attack”.

Learning to cope with the panic attacks, can be very difficult in the beginning. You must learn to keep your fears from getting worse and out of control if nothing else. Realize that you are in complete control of the given situation. There are some steps you can take to prepare right now, before you have your next attack. These steps can make dealing with the next occurrence significantly easier.

Try to think about the most relaxing and peaceful place you have ever been. Try to remember with every sense of your body the way it made you feel. Capture that feeling in your minds eye and tell yourself to allow your body to feel that way right now. Keep up these visuals while inhaling and exhaling deep breaths. Soon you will begin to feel the stress and anxiety leave you as it is replaced by a relaxed and calm feeling.

This article was presented by Panic Defence, the UK’s leading name in combating panic and anxiety. Click here for a free download with easy and effective tips to end panic.

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It’s an easy enough assumption to make as the panic attacks seem to come from out of nowhere but the real problem is not that first flash of panic but the fact that you are terrified of the feelings. If you can take that fear out and not be scared of HOWEVER you are feeling they simply do not happen, ever again. To solve this problem you need to learn EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). This simple technique will take your fear on any topic down to zero, very fast. It is a method which utilises tapping on the meridian points while saying out loud a statement of how you are feeling. You take a reading before and after so you can quickly verify your results which gives you confidence to continue.

2. Confusing The Feelings Of Physical Exertion With Panic

This is a big one and what stops most panic attack sufferers from getting excited or involved with anything. The symptoms of panic attacks are caused by an increase of adrenaline so any feelings that are similar instantly make you think you are about to have an attack. At one point I couldn’t bear to watch game shows as the anticipation was just too much for me. Once you add even more adrenaline to the mix and increase your heartbeat by even a millisecond you start to freak out again. The solution to this one is quite simple. Recognise this is what is happening and say to yourself, it’s ok, I’m just feeling the symptoms of physical exertion/excitement, I am not panicking. And it’s a good opening statement to get down to zero using EFT. You can use something like – Even though the feelings of physical exertion make me feel like I’m going to panic…

3. Ignoring Advice To Take A Deep Breath

Your chest is clenched tight, you can’t breath, and some well meaning person is saying, take a deep breath now. And all you can think is, are you mad, why would I want my head spinning even more? The thing is that hyperventilation causes the exact same symptoms as panic. When you can’t breath you are breathing from your chest, in essence overbreathing, and a few deep breaths from your abdomen will stop this almost instantly. The trick is to practise when you are feeling relatively ok and feel safe, so when you start to feel uncomfortable you can take a single deep breath, really feeling your abdomen pushing out, which will quickly rebalance your blood oxygen levels and let you breath easily again.

4. Making It All About Your Panic Attacks

It’s easy, I know, if you are suffering from panic and anxiety to let it completely overtake your life. After all, every little thing you do must be planned and your feelings taken into account which turns every activity into a major event. Make today the last day this happens. Take time to project your interest and attention onto something else, maybe a hobby you used to like doing, reading a book you have been meaning to get round to, constructing the Taj Mahal out of matchsticks, whatever you once spent hours being immersed in without a second thought. Make a special effort to acquire the materials needed to direct your attention away from yourself. Phone some friends and resist the temptation to talk about yourself. Genuinely engaging with others has a profoundly healing effect on you and those around you who may be feeling neglected while you have been busy coping with your own feelings. Do one thing today that has nothing to do with your panic.

5. Being Too Hard On Yourself

People who suffer from panic attacks constantly berate themselves for being weak and wimpy and this is just not the case. You are managing to manifest some major psychosomatic symptoms and that’s powerful reality creation. Just think what you could do if your conscious and unconscious minds were working together, wow! Be kind to yourself, even forgive yourself for what is happening right now and know that you have the strength to do something about this. And remember, while you are recovering do not push yourself or feel you have to do everything you are asked to prove yourself. Your biggest strength lies in being able to say NO loudly and without guilt.

This article was presented by Panic Defence, the UK’s leading name in combating panic and anxiety. If you would like a free download with easy and effective tips to end panic, visit www.panichandbook.com now.

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In fact, if you have never experienced this before, you may wonder if you are having a heart attack or going to die. Panic attacks can be extremely difficult to deal with, even when you do completely understand what is happening.  When you visit a doctor about the symptoms they love to prescribe drugs for the problem.

You can, however, learn how to overcome panic attacks without the use of dangerous medications. There are ways to manage and reduce your symptoms.

The first step is to also learn how to recognize triggers and head them off before you experience a full blown attack.

First, you really need to recognize the symptoms of a panic attack. This could include excessive sweating, nausea, very fast heart rate, cramping, chest pains and hyperventilating.

That’s just a short list and it’s possible that you also have other symptoms as well. The first thing to do is track what your own symptoms are so that you can better manage. Then you can take steps on how to overcome panic attacks.

Also, don’t feel embarrassed if you initially think that your symptoms are something more serious. If you do suspect you are in the throes of a heart attack, only to discover you have a panic disorder, take it as a learning experience. You will have received a proper diagnosis and will be able to move on from there.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.There are several things that will probably be an option for you in seeking treatment.

First, there are medications available for managing the symptoms. However, you can actually become dependent on pharmaceutical drugs, so only use them as a temporary or emergency measure.

Many believe that better alternatives on how to overcome panic attacks include herbs, relaxation techniques and cognitive behavior therapy.

The latter actually helps you break down why you are reacting to stressors the way you are and reprogram yourself to respond in a more healthy way.

Many people also get relief from talk or group therapy.

Herbs that have been known to help include St. John’s Wort, Valerian root and even homeopathic preparations. Use caution with herbal use because of many undocumented side-effects and unpredictable reactions to prescription medications you may be taking.

When you experience a panic attack, your body feels out of control. You feel afraid, shaky and unsure. It can be an absolutely debilitating condition.

However, you can learn how to overcome panic attacks. Don’t be afraid to seek help.

Explore your treatment options with your doctor or health provider. Ask you physician if he/she will support you first trying natural remedies before moving to medications, except for short term or emergency treatment.

You can gain relief through natural techniques and therapy. Perhaps even through herbal supplements, if your doctor approves. By understanding your condition, you can obtain lasting relief when you learn how to overcome panic attacks with a method or technique that works for you.

This article was presented by Panic Defence, the UK’s leading name in combating panic and anxiety. If you would like a free download with easy and effective tips to end panic, visit www.panichandbook.com now.

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Needless to say, this can damage your lifestyle, friendships, love-life and even threaten job performance.

This results of panic attacks are that the sufferer will often withdraw from normal everyday activities, such as:

* Planning holidays or travel.

* Leaving your home, or being alone.

* Making appointments or socializing with people, for fear that you might have to excuse yourself half way through.

* Giving a speech or presentation, for fear of having a panic attack.

Common Symptoms Of A Panic Attack

If you are unsure whether you, or someone you love is suffering with a panic attack, then here are some common symptoms that you should look for:

* A Racing Heart

* Chest Pain

* Palpitations

* Difficulty breathing

* Headaches

* Sweats

* Bowel Troubles

* Nausea

* General Fatigue

* Dizziness

* Insomnia

* Butterflies in the Stomach

* Difficulty Swallowing

* Constant Fear Of Impending Doom

* Depression

* Agoraphobia

* Sudden Panic

* Irritability

* Social Nervousness

* Feelings Like You Are Going Crazy Or Losing Control

* Feeling Alone And Out Of Place

* Believing That There Is No Hope Of Normality

* Social Phobia

* Disturbing Dreams And Thoughts

This is not a complete list but any combination of the symptoms mentioned there should very well point to panic attack as the cause. If you are suffering with these symptoms you should take action to get your attacks under control before they increase in frequency.

Immediate Action You Can Take To Help Panic Attacks

Many people have found it helpful to learn what can exacerbate anxiety and lead to panic attacks. Simple items such as food can amplify anxiety, or make a panic attack much more probable.

Foods like:

1 Processed Foods (lunch meats, chips, packaged snacks)

2 Caffeine (in coffee, tea, chocolate)

3 Energy Drinks (Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar etc.)

4 Sugar (in the form of sucrose, glucose, corn syrup)

The Truth About Alcohol And Panic Attacks

Though having a stiff drink may seem like an obvious way to “calm the nerves,” you need to understand that alcohol dehydrates the body and this causes the body to feel tired and fatigued. It also reduces blood sugar levels and causes vitamin depletion as well.

Even though you may feel relaxed, after it wears off, anxiety may actually get worse.

This article was presented by Panic Defence, the UK’s leading name in combating panic and anxiety. If you would like a free download with easy and effective tips to end panic, visit www.panichandbook.com now.

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All panic attacks have a trigger.  Find out what yours is . Panic attacks usually occur during times of stress or times when you feel helpless or confined.  Closed spaces and small quarters, for example, can trigger a panic attack.  So will the thought of facing a group of people whether for a meeting, presentation or public speech.

Learn to find the pattern of occurrence of your attacks and you’ll be better at predicting them.  If you know what causes your panic attacks, you can better prepare for them before they occur and be able to control panic attacks and your negative feelings.

Learn relaxation techniques.

Relaxation techniques help train the mind to control itself in situations where panic attacks usually occur.  By learning to relax, you teach your body to follow your mind and control panic attacks. 

Learn meditation or self-hypnosis, which are both effective for helping you clear your mind and reduce muscle tension and heart rate. They also work well with helping you gain better control of your breathing and your reactions in case of another panic attack.  Practice these techniques for at least 20 minutes everyday to control panic attacks.

Learn to breathe properly.

Breathing is the key to learning how to control panic attacks.  Learn the proper technique by lying on a flat surface or sitting on a chair.  By keeping your spine straight and closing your eyes, picture your diaphragm as your center. 

Place a hand over the area and draw in a breath slowly, using a count of 5 and then breathe out slowly.  Repeat this for at least 20 times until you find your rhythm and your body begins to relax.  During this exercise, think of being in a peaceful and safe place and repeat to yourself reassuring statements such as, ”I am in a safe place.  Nothing will harm me.  There is no danger to my person.  I am safe.”

Next time a panic attack threatens you, use this breathing technique to calm yourself.  Regardless of where you are, remember this technique and use it to control panic attacks.

Check your diet.

Diet plays a big part in making you more susceptible to panic and anxiety attacks.  Certain foods like caffeine, salt and nicotine for example, should be taken in moderation.  Caffeine and nicotine are known stimulants and can increase your nervousness and agitation while salt hinders the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Get enough sleep.

If you suffer from panic attacks, make sure you get a good rest every night.  If your body is well rested, your mental and physical abilities are more in tuned to each other when you wake up. You are less likely to react without thinking or give in to panic attacks if you’re refreshed and feeling in control. 

See a doctor.

If your panic attacks are severe, it might be time to seek professional help to control panic attacks. Some symptoms can be too much even for you to handle, in which case you might benefit from prescription medication or even professional counseling to control panic attacks. Don’t be afraid to seek help. You are not alone in your condition and there are a lot of sources you can turn to for assistance if you will only ask.

This article was presented by Panic Defence, the UK’s leading name in combating panic and anxiety. If you would like a free download with easy and effective tips to end panic, visit www.panichandbook.com now.

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If you are terrified that you might have another panic attack, you may just end up cutting yourself off from everything in order to avoid having another. You might hide from the world, or otherwise separate yourself from the friends and family who might otherwise be able to help you. If this sounds familiar to you, then you need to consider seeking professional help to empower you to dispel the threat of panic attacks that hangs over your head.

You may also be able to help yourself by avoiding the situations that cause you to have your panic attacks in the first place. One of the biggest causes of panic attacks is stress, and if you are constantly in stressful situation, then you will be at a much higher risk for panic attacks in the future. This stress is not necessarily the stress that comes over a few days over a particular event; panic attacks are triggered by constant stress over a period of months or sometimes even longer. This stress is often too much for people to bear, and even if we do not realize that, our bodies do, and they rebel.

Panic attacks can also be caused by certain situations. If you get a panic attack every time you are running late, or stuck in traffic, or going over a bridge, then you need to make sure to avoid those situations to prevent these same events from triggering more panic attacks in the future. You can take a different route to work, leave early, and avoid roads that you know will be snarled with traffic or even head to a local place for dinner after work before facing the drive home.

If you practice avoiding panic attacks and chart where you were, what you were doing, and how you felt immediately prior to each panic attack, then you can use this information to avoid the things that trigger you. You may be able to save yourself a lot of trouble with your mental and even your physical health later down the road.

Panic attacks do not just feel remarkably like heart attacks; recent studies have linked experiencing panic attacks with an increased likelihood of actually having a heart attack later. Keep your odds low and keep your stress levels down to avoid panic attacks and to remain as healthy as possible. No one likes to suffer, and panic attacks certainly fall into the category of suffering.

If you are at risk for panic attacks or you have had them in the past, then you should examine the past causes of your panic attacks so that you can help yourself to avoid similar situations in the future. You should also get in contact with your doctor to find out if you may need medication or therapy to help you take charge of your life and get away from the panic attacks. It can be difficult to determine exactly the best means of preventing panic attacks, but you may get better results when pairing the practice of avoiding triggers with medication to help you feel calmer. A therapist can also help you learn mental tricks to help you ride through the panic attacks without completely losing your cool the next time you feel one coming on.

This article was presented by Panic Defence, the UK’s leading name in combating panic and anxiety. If you would like a free download with easy and effective tips to end panic, visit www.panichandbook.com now.

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Millions of people each year all over the world suffer from panic attacks. The majority of these people are more likely to experience a panic attack because their bodies carry the gene for anxiety disorders. Some statistics show that a person who has a parent who has ever suffered from a panic attack is seven times more likely to also experience a panic attack than the general population.

Scientific research into the reasons for a panic attack show that a large percentage of those who are likely to experience a panic attack carry the gene dubbed DUP25.

Scientists have discovered that this panic attack gene creates proteins that play an important role in the way the nervous system cells communicate with each other. They suspect that this imbalance is what makes the brain so oversensitive that it brings on a panic attack is those that carry the gene.

That said, studies have also shown that not every single person who carries the panic attack gene DUP25 is guaranteed to suffer from a panic attack or any other anxiety disorder.

A panic attack can also be brought on for reasons other then hereditary reasons. A panic attack – or numerous, repeated panic attacks — can be brought on by a traumatic life event or drug misuse. There are statistics that show that eight percent of those who have experienced a panic attack have had one or more because of drug misuse.

Other statistics suggest that those more likely to experience a panic attack are people who suppress their emotions.

Anyone who has ever experienced a panic attack explains that it can happen anytime or anywhere. A panic attack can happen when the person is alone or with others. It can happen at home or in public. A panic attack can even happen when a person is waking up from a sound, restful sleep.

Those most likely to experience a panic attack are women in their young adult years. About half of those who experience panic attacks do so before the age of 24.

People who seek treatment of panic attacks will find relief from them within a few weeks. And although experiencing a panic attack is highly unpleasant, there are no long-term side effects once treatment has been completed and if it is maintained.

Even with treatment, it is still possible for the occasional relapse. This means that it is possible for a person to experience another panic attack or two if he or she is undergoing treatment. But possible relapses can further be reduced by adding stress-relieving activities like yoga to your daily schedule.

This article was presented by Panic Defence, the UK’s leading name in combating panic and anxiety. If you would like a free download with easy and effective tips to end panic, visit www.panichandbook.com now.

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However, once you experience the first panic attack, the body will be put on “alert” status and the chances of having another attack is increased. This becomes a problem if panic attacks occur again and again.

An important contributor to the occurrence of further panic attacks is related to where the first one occurred. For most, it happens in a place where they cannot escape easily: for example, in a train, bus, taxi, elevator, building. For example, if the panic attack occurred during a bus ride, chance are, you would be quite nervous during your next bus ride as you think panic attack might hit you again. The more nervous you are, the more likely another panic attack will happen.

With your initial experience with panic attack, you will most probably try to escape before you feel the attack coming on. Once out of the bus, the panic feeling subside and your worst fear is confirmed. You associate bus ride to your panic attack. A few more experiences confirms this and you avoid taking a bus altogether.

What I have just explained is a typical example of the development of panic attack and it can be applied to any situation. You have a panic attack at a particular place or situation. You link it to that place or situation and avoid it.

The main culprit here is fear. The fear and anxiety of having a panic attack causes it to happen. Panic attack feeds on fear and anxiety. The more your fearful of it happening, the harder and faster it will hit you. In order to control a panic attack and stop it forever, you need to attack its roots – fear.

The most effective way to stop panic attack forever is to KNOW that you will not be harmed. A large part of the fear comes from the fact that the sufferer thinks he is about to die, which is totally untrue!

Here’s a few FACTS about panic attack:

-Panic attack CANNOT cause heart attack

-Panic attack CANNOT cause suffocation

-Panic attack CANNOT make you faint

-Panic attack CANNOT cause you to go mad/crazy

Doesn’t feel like it? But its true! There more than enough medical evidence to prove all these. The symptoms feel unnatural because its a panic response from the body, your not suppose to feel it unless your in danger – which your not! Panic attack is the result of this “panic alarm” going off for the wrong reason. Use this knowledge to your advantage, KNOW that you are safe and panic attack cannot harm you. Don’t fear panic attack…and certainly don’t fear having one!

This article was presented by Panic Defence, the UK’s leading name in combating panic and anxiety. If you would like a free download with easy and effective tips to end panic, visit www.panichandbook.com now.

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