How To Control Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can control your life and make you miserable. The methods below are ways that panic attacks can be controlled.

• Medication - Medications such as antidepressants, antianxiety medicines and sedatives can help control symptoms of panic attacks
• Psychotherapy - Talking to a counselor can help you understand panic attacks and how to deal with them
• Relaxation techniques -Yoga and meditation can help relieve tension and stress
  
• Breathing techniques - Taking deep, slow breaths can help relax your mind and body
• Massage - When you are stressed, you will build up a lot of tension in your neck and shoulders. Gentle massage of these areas to relax them can help control panic attack symptoms
• Hypnotherapy - Hypnosis will allow you to explore painful thoughts, feeling and memories that you may have blocked from your mind and it does help some people to see things differently.
• Acupuncture - This method hasn't been studied very much, but it seems to help somewhat with depression
  
• Aerobic exercise - A good workout at least 20 minutes a day, 3 times a week will help anxiety disorders
  
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Studies have shown this natural substance can help in treating clinical depression
  
• St. John's Wart - This herb has been shown to be an effective treatment for mild depression
• Natural remedies - Read about the natural technique that will eliminate your anxiety and panic attacks. Also sign up for your Free mini series that gives you expert advice on panic attacks and anxiety. Click Here
  

Causes Of Panic Attacks

When you are stressed and in danger, the body has a natural response of speeding up your heart and making you breathe faster. A panic attack occurs when this response happens but there is no danger.

Experts do not know for sure what causes panic attacks but it is believed that they may be caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals and that panic attacks run in families. They are also believed to be brought on by:

• Depression
  
• Alcohol abuse
  
• Major life transitions such as a new job, marriage or having a baby
• Stressful events in your life
• Stimulant use (caffeine, amphetamines or nicotine)
• Some medications that are used to treat heart problems and asthma
• Drug use (marijuana or cocaine)
  
• Withdrawal from some medications
• Physical illness
  
• Medical conditions such as an overactive thyroid, heart or breathing problems

Also there is a higher chance of panic attacks if a parent has depression or bipolar disorder.

Symptoms Of Panic Attacks

Panic attack symptoms are caused by biological changes and nerve impulses that occur during times of stress and anxiety. Symptoms of panic attacks vary from person to person, but below are the most common:

• Feeling anxious or nervous a lot of the time for unexplained reasons
• Dizziness
• Muscle spasms
• Feeling faint
• Rapid heartbeat, palpitations or pounding heart
• Sweating
• Muscle pain in the neck and shoulders
• Light headed
• Feeling sick to your stomach or indigestion
• Skin blotches
• Numbness or tingling sensations in your body
• Loss of color in skin
• Disturbing thoughts
• Depersonalization (feeling like you don't exist)
• Chills
• Shaking
  
• Hot flashes
• Blushing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
  
• Having to go to the bathroom all of a sudden
  
• Disturbing thoughts
• Fear of leaving your home or driving

These are all very common symptoms of panic attacks and there may be other symptoms that you are experiencing that are not listed above. After a panic attack you may feel tired, shaky and fatigued. Even though symptoms of panic attacks can be quite scary, you shouldn't worry about them as they are normal and harmless.