Coping with panic attacks is a process that does not happen overnight. It requires the victim to devise a treatment plan that comprises of behaviour modification, relaxation techniques, medications as well as psychotherapies. When the treatments are combined, the victim can then manage his stress well. There are factors that cause stress levels to fluctuate: work commitments, family responsibilities etc. With ever mounting pressure, one becomes prone to panic attacks. Here are a few tips you can heed when coping with panic attacks.
Medications
Benzodiazepines type medicine such as Valium, Xanax and Ativan are prescription drugs meant to help a patient deal with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). They are used as a mean to provide short term relief.
For long term treatment, the patient may be given Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) such as Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft. In severe cases, patients may be prescribed anti-seizure drugs. It is important that the patient use these forms of drugs occasionally and only when needed because they can impede the body’s natural system of coping with panic attacks.
Therapy and Counselling
It is during therapy sessions that the patient acquires several useful relaxation techniques that he can use during his episode. Through counselling, he is also advised to reiterate affirmations and change the way he thinks. The therapist will also look into ways where he can change his lifestyle. The patient will also learn how to project his thoughts such that they are positive and rationalised. This will help him tackle his fears.
Psychotherapy helps to familiarise the patient with the condition through a thorough explanation of its causes and symptoms. This allows him to deal with panic attacks in a more prepared manner. The patient can also consider taking up yoga or meditation sessions to help him restore calmness in his mind. These sessions also help to eliminate unnecessary stress. He can also find the support and understanding he needs in support groups.
Natural Remedies
Eons ago; our ancestors have discovered many medicinal herbs that assist one in coping with anxiety. These herbal remedies are available in the form of warm tea or tincture. They can help one sleep better as well as relax his mood.
* St. John’s Wort
* Kava
* Valerian
* Skullcap
* Passionflower
* Ginkgo biloba
* Catnip – yes, catnip tea
Health supplements and vitamins can be taken if one is determined to attain mental wellness. Popping Bacopin can help to bring down one’s anxiety level. Vitamin B-12 helps with the release of essential neurotransmitters into the brain too. Chamomile is also unmatched when it comes to its effects to relieving stress. It is known to have a tranquilizing effect and it inhibits the release of stress causing chemicals.
Best of the Rest
There are other methods that have become eminent over the years. These holistic methods focus on overall health rather than targeting and treating an individual symptom. Hypnosis has proven to be effective in its ability to help in thoughts diversion; shifting one’s attentions on his fears towards positive and rational thoughts. Exercising doubles up as an antidepressant and sleep-inducer, and is often the most productive way one can release suppressed anger.
Another technique that is fast becoming popular is the stimulation of one’s brain to trigger endorphins. They are natural mood enhancers that are produced when one is exercising or having an intense work out. Endorphins are also released after sex. Acupuncture sessions restore one’s calmness through the stimulation of endorphins.
Click here right now to discover how you can become anxiety free today. Trevor Mosley has gathered a ton of information to help you in your fight against anxiety and panic attacks. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/coping-with-panic-attacks-what-you-must-know-1780577.html