The Battle With Panic Attacks

People who experience panic attacks often know what it's like to feel like they're losing control.  They know what it's like to have heart palpitations, shake uncontrollably, feel dizzy or nauseous.  How does one cope with panic attacks?  How does one regain control of a seemingly uncontrollable situation.

There are several coping mechanisms people can try.  Keep in mind, what may work for one person, may not work for another.  It is best to talk with a doctor to see what can be the most beneficial and effective.

There are prescription medications that people can get from their doctor.  Some of the more popular medications for panic disorder are Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil.  A few others are Xanax, Valium, Ativan and Klonopin.  Again, talk with a doctor before taking any medication.

Self help books are another alternative for getting to the root of the problem.  Walk into any book store and you'll find rows upon rows of self help books for people suffering from anxiety.  You have the choice of reading these books or listening to them on audio tape.

But what about an alternative that costs little to no money?  Or for those people who do not want to rely on medications to cope with their panic disorder?

Meditation, is an avenue to explore.  Deep breathing can help to bring down an elevated heart beat and lower blood pressure.  Something that can go hand in hand with meditation is yoga.  Putting the body into a certain yoga pose while concentrating on the breath can calm a person down.  Listening to soft music is another option to help relieve the symptoms of a panic attack.

People often exercise to take their minds off what is making them anxious.  Sometimes just taking a short walk around the block can subside the feeling of panic.  Spending time with a friend or joining a local support group can help as well.  Support groups are a great help to people because there, they can talk about their problem with other people who are experiencing the same thing.

So, there are quite a few options for people who want to find ways to cope with panic attacks.  It takes patience and belief to get through an attack as it is happening, but the seemingly endless assault on the mind does eventually come to an end.