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It's normal to feel anxiety from time to time, but when it reaches the point of what is called an "anxiety attack", you may want to seek a solution to keep it from recurring. Those that have suffered through these attacks know how scary it can be. Your mind and heart are racing, your chest is clenched and you feel like you're not going to make it out alive. The only thing you can think about is what caused the attack, and how much you wish it would desist.

The first option that most people run to is medication. Doctors prescribe medications to suppress anxiety attacks like its aspirin these days, and it's not helping the problem. You don't want to cover up your problem, you want to solve it. It some cases, medication is the only way to tend to it, but for a lot of us there are other ways to deal.

1) Target the problem. Are the attacks caused by a health problem, or work related stress? Do you feel trapped in your small apartment, or all alone in your huge mansion? Regardless of the dilemma, once you've discovered what is causing your mind and body to react so violently you can start to heal.

2) Examine your fears. Are they truly threats to your lifestyle or mental being? Is any or all of it out of your control? If you can determine the danger this problem has on your life, you can relieve some of your pain. If it is a problem that is completely out of your hands, you have to learn to cope with it. For example: many people develop anxiety over the death of a loved one, and frequently revisit that pain. It's okay to grieve, but it won't benefit your health to dwell on it.

3) Talk to someone you trust. Find a friend, family member, or even a psychiatrist to discuss your problem with. Even if you've already found the root of it, they may be able to see things differently than you, and consequently come up with alternative routes to recovery.

4) Exercise. As simple as it is, this is the most effective way to reduce anxiety and ease depression. A simple jog around the block will clear your mind and allow you to assess the situation more clearly.
5) Get some sleep. Half of your problem may be insomnia lying in bed awake, dormant, allows you to contemplate your problems and heightens the risk of an attack. If this is the case, you need to take special measures to ensure a good night's sleep.
6) Face your fears. Half of the battle is finding your opposition, and now that you have it's time to put it to bed.

Learn more about this author, Leslie Haasch.
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