by Patricia A. Coldiron

Created on: May 14, 2010

 A panic attack is a type of  anxiety disorder that can strike suddenly, and you may experience symptoms such as difficulty catching your breath, feeling faint or dizzy,  have a racing heartbeat, and feel like you’re losing control.

Once you’ve had a panic attack while performing certain activities, such as driving, shopping in a crowded supermarket, or riding an escalator, you develop a phobia, and will avoid that activity at any cost. Your panic attacks may intensify to the point that even thinking about the activity will trigger a panic attack.

 Medical Problems

To help avoid panic attacks, visit your doctor for a complete physical and blood work to rule out medical problems that can be causing panic attacks, and start appropriate treatment. Medical problems such as diabetes, pregnancy, drug addiction, menopause, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and alcoholism can trigger a panic attack.

Psychological Help

Your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional, who will discuss your symptoms, and ask about stress in your life, any fears that you have, or any job or relationship problems that you might be experiencing. Participating in some psychological therapy sessions, and/or taking medication may help prevent future panic attacks.

Relaxation Techniques

Training your body to relax can be as helpful for some panic attack sufferers as therapy sessions. Participating in deep breathing, yoga, and meditation calm the body and mind. Practice progressive relaxation, which you can do by tensing one muscle at a time, and then relaxing that muscle, until each muscle in your body is relaxed.

 Lifestyle Remedies

Avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, or soda, and alcohol, as these things can trigger a panic attack or make an existing panic attack worse.

Find a support group for panic attack or anxiety sufferers, so you can exchange ideas with people who are suffering from the same type of problems that face. If you can’t find a support group, start one of your own.

Get some type of physical exercise every day. You can do something as low-impact as walking through your neighborhood, or participate in an activity you enjoy, such as bowling, golf, jogging, or swimming. Exercise helps calm anxious feelings, and you’ll also be improving your fitness level.

Follow your doctor’s treatment plan. You may feel guilty because you have to take medication for your panic attack, and therapy may force you to face your fears, but if these things help you prevent panic attacks, your life won’t feel so out of control.

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