And are anxiety attacks a disease? Can it be cured? How? What happens when you have an anxiety attack?

Anxiety attacks are not something you are born with. They usually strike in adulthood. When I had my first one, i thought I was having a heart attack. The doc accused me of being on cocaine, because my heart rate was 130 or so. I was clean as could be, but scared to death. My husband I had argued most of the day that day. It just came on me so suddenly without warning. I had trouble breathing, my hands went numb and tingly, my heart was pounding, and I had a sense of impending doom, like I was gonna die.

I finally got back to "normal", the docs never really did tell me what was wrong, as this was before "Anxiety Attacks" were recognized as a real problem. I did my own research over the years. I learned when one was coming on, and I can pretty much control them now with deep breathing exercises. What’s so odd about anxiety attacks is that they can strike at the oddest time. I have laid down to go to bed, and had an attack. Sometimes, if they’re severe and frequent, I’ll take valium for a couple days.

I’ve never really learned what causes anxiety attacks, just ways of coping with them. I’ve never really learned what triggers them, as they occur with me at the most odd times.

Good luck to you. You can live with anxiety attacks. If you find they’re debilitating, see a doctor and find a good therapist. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve learned to control mine mostly on my own, with a little help from a sympathetic doctor.

I have anxiety disorder which sometimes border on Panic Attacks. I seem to get them more so when I am reading or studying, especially if I am at the library. I get these rushes of anxiety and sometimes feel that my mind is disconnecting with my body. In any case, why does this seem to happen when I am reading or studying? Anyone have any good tips on how to control Anxiety Attacks?

Hi agua,
in my experience anxiety can sometimes be triggered when there is too much mental stimulation… reading or studying might be mentally stimulating enough for you to trigger anxiety feelings… when you are reading or in a library, it is hard to distract yourself from the sensations that you are experiencing, and so you probably find it hard to ignore them, then worry about them and so they increase… they increase and so you start to panic about what might happen… its a bit of a visious circle!

That disconnecting thing that you experience… thats perfectly normal for people who suffer from anxiety… its a self-protective way for the brain to decrease the experience of fear, by removing itself from the situation… this might be helpful in a place where having fear is appropriate (like being attacked by a lion), but it doesnt help us, of course, when we are just having panic attacks for no reason! You are not alone with these experiences!

The best way i know how to control these experiences is by not trying to control them, but doing the opposite… encourage them! That sounds stupid? let me explain…
If you try to stop these sensations, you imediately focus in on them and so they intensify… its like telling someone not to spill a drink… imediately they tense up and watch the cup, and start shaking etc… instead, say to yourself "i’m going to allow myself to have anxiety"… give yourself permission to be anxious… allow it to happen… relax and allow yourself to fully experience your sensations, and your worries, and your thoughts… allow it all to happen… let it wash over you… you’ll find that it carries on briefly and then it loses its energy and fizzles out… you’ll start to relax and the tension will subside…

if this all sounds crazy to you, then i encourage you to give it a try at home first, where you are in a totally safe environment… it takes a bit of courage to allow yourself to experience your feelings, especially if they are feelings that you dont like…

its not a case of ‘resigning’ yourself to having anxiety, its just a case of ‘accepting’ things as they are… accepting yourself for who you are and what you are experiencing… only then, when you accept it for what it is, can you start to work on addressing the anxiety and reducing your symptoms.

give it a go,
and always try to relax… breath slowly, relax…

jtnccc (above) has some good tips…
he says:
you could use relaxing music with an mp3 player…
take regular breaks from your studying (every 15 mins?): to have a walk around, distract yourself, relax and breath slowly and deeply

best of luck and take care
zag

BTW, i recomend CBT therapy… its very effective for anxiety. i’m still looking for a good book on the subject tho.
give me an email thro my profile if you’d like any more tips

I have severe anxiety and I’ve been having Anxiety Attacks for months. I can’t take prescription pills because I’m an air traffic controller and I’ve been trying herbs (valerian, ignatia, passion flower) but nothing seems to work. And I ALWAYS have anxiety attacks when I have to speak to a group and next week and have to give a short presentation to everyone in my work and I’m petrified of having an anxiety attack. Please help me.

just laugh at whatever the task is..
thats wud be the first step.. just have a laugh..
step back fromt he issue.. and see it as a minor thing u just have to do…
make a date with a friend.. or plan something right after.. so u have something to look forward to..
the main thing here is…
no matter what u do.. u will feel anxiety leading up to the event of speaking right?
well its just like walking in late to class..
u know ur late.. ur heart is racing.. u have to get there.. but everyone will be sitting down..
the best thing to do in both these situations.. is to just forget about it..
i mean.. having anxiety and going crazy over it.. or not going crazy isnt going to make things better.
the outcome of what u have to do.. will be there anyway… so instead of having anxiety..
just have neutrality.. brush it off..
dont think about it. forget it.. what will happen will happen. one way or the other..
its the pre-thought that fucks everybody up. so the best thing to do is act like u dont care.
and it will work out trust me.

I have many many Anxiety Attacks a day and it gets worse day by day and I really dont want to be put on meds. Is there any natural way to go?

Hi, I’m sorry you have to go through this horrible ordeal. I have a terrible history of anxiety attacks. Mine come at times of stress. Before you rush in to looking for a ‘rescue remedy’, we should find out the ‘root’ of your problem so that we can rid of your anxiety forever. What triggered the first attack, do you remember? The best trick to ridding your anxiety is knowing that there is nothing to be afraid of these attack. You will not die. If you tell yourself that you are not scared of the attack, and breathe slowly, don’t fight it, let it pass, than it will get better in time, trust me. You are getting the attack because you are afraid of it and you are trying to fight it.

Don’t fight it, go outside, sit down and take long deep breaths.
There is a special way to breathing. Make sure you are breathing down to your navel and not jus your chest. Breathing to only your chest is what creates anxiety. if you learn patience and meditation, your symptom will go away within a minute or two and you will not get an attack.
Just sit with your head down, close your eyes, breath very slowly, the slower you breathe, the calmer your mind will be. Remember that you are causing these attacks which means you do have the power to stop it. Practice your breathing as often as possible so you are prepared when your symptoms come back.

Whatever you do avoid meds. Do NOT take them. I found that meditation works instantly and there is no side effects, only benefits.

And even if you do rid of the attacks, it is important you continue practice your breathing every single day. I took it for granted I will never get them again but I did and it was horrible. So please practice your breathing everyday so you are always aware and prepared.

Wish you luck!
Email me if any questions.

K

I am a 15 year old male, with Anxiety Attacks due to the fear of becoming ill and vomiting. It has been going on for nearly 3 hard years. My anxiety causes a stomach ache and a gagging feeling. What can I do?

The irrational thoughts inside you are exaggerated – not real. You must accept this and break out of the bubble the anxiety has created. Try talking to as many strangers as possible to practice – they’ll never see you again. It’s worth a shot. Then apply your skills to the public.

The trick is to let the fear go through you, but don’t act upon it. Don’t let it enforce your decisions. When worries go through you, respond with "I don’t care," even if you do. The more you do this, the more comfortable you’ll feel. You must be willing though before working against the fear. You have control and a lot of potential, and anxiety is really not worth it. Find the person you have inside you and bring him out for the benefit of your well being – no matter what the outcome, trust yourself and forget everyone around you. It helps to encourage the anxiety instead of oppose it. Act as if you are superior.

I’ve already cut down on coffee, but noticed that my Anxiety Attacks are happening more and more often. I also get really claustrophobic and tense in weird situations, like waiting on a check-out line or when people stand too close. I’d prefer not to take a prescription pill for any of it, but may have to look into it in the future. Are there any suggestions to lessen the problem? Like, any herbal remedies, or breathing techniques, or dietary change? And is this common with others?

Smelling salts or lavendar (I carried a little bag round in my pocket and took it out to smell if I felt stressed) – makes you feel less dizzy. Also deep breathing and concentrate on your breathing – close your eyes and try to forget your surroundings until you feel more relaxed. Cutting down on caffeine is a good way to go, and also sugary foods.

I get severe panic/Anxiety Attacks sometimes. It’s happened a lot more recently, and I’ve went to the doctors to check everything but they said it was okay. Usually I get a slight anxiety attack during school, but it’s not as bad as my severe ones. Anyone know anything I can do to relax myself while getting these? I usually start breathing really fast and somewhat lose breath, I get very hot, and my heart RACES. Anyone know anything that I can do or use to relax myself? Thanks.

Lifestyle and home remedies
Although social anxiety disorder generally requires help from a medical expert or qualified psychotherapist, you can try some self-help techniques to handle situations likely to trigger social anxiety disorder symptoms.
First, assess your fears to identify what situations cause the most anxiety. Apply these techniques to those situations. Practicing these techniques regularly can help you manage or reduce your anxiety. You may need to begin with small steps in situations that aren’t overwhelming.
These techniques include:
Eating with a close relative, friend or acquaintance in a public setting.
Making eye contact and returning greetings from others, or being the first to say hello.
Preparing for conversation. For instance, read the newspaper to identify an interesting story you can talk about.
Giving someone a compliment.
Focusing on personal qualities you like about yourself.
Showing an interest in others. Ask about their homes, children, grandchildren, hobbies or travels, for instance.
Asking a retail clerk to help you find an item.
Getting directions from a stranger.
.
Coping and support
Coping with social anxiety disorder can be challenging. Having social anxiety disorder can make it difficult for you to go to work or school, to interact with other people, or even to visit the doctor. But maintaining connections and building relationships are key ways to help cope with any mental disorder.
Over time, treatment can help you feel more comfortable, relaxed and confident in the presence of others. In the meantime, don’t use alcohol or illicit drugs to try to get through an event or situation that makes you anxious.
Some positive coping methods include:
Banishing negative thoughts about yourself
Practicing relaxation exercises
Adopting stress management techniques
Reaching out to people you do feel comfortable around
Joining a support group
Engaging in pleasurable activities, such as exercise or hobbies, when you feel anxious
Getting enough sleep
Eating a well-balanced diet
Setting realistic goals
As difficult or painful as it may seem initially, don’t avoid situations that trigger your symptoms. By regularly facing these kinds of situations, you’ll continue to build and reinforce your coping skills.
Over time, doing this can help control your symptoms and prevent a relapse of your condition. Remind yourself that you can get through anxious moments, that your anxiety is short-lived, and that the negative consequences you worry about so much rarely come to pass.

I have no idea what Anxiety Attacks are or what they feel like but today in my class I started to stop breathing and my chest kind of tightened up. I started shaking. But I don’t know what it is. I have been having pains in my chest and pains right under my bra under wire. I described the pain to my parents and they think it is an anxiety attack. Tell me everything you can about these attacks. PLease!

Have you heard of http://doiop.com/calmer ?

I’ve never had panic/Anxiety Attacks before until this morning and so far I am on my third one today. My heart starts pounding so bad I feel like it is going to explode, I cant breathe, I cant think, I start crying I just dont know what to do!?! I am Effexor as it is for depression. I know alot has to do with the severe stress I am under, bills mounting, bill collectors calling left and right, possible divorce, my oldest daughter started kindergarten this week, I just dont know what to do anymore! How do I make this stop? I feel like I am going insane!

firth things first…calm down by doing something you like to do…next talk to your doctor…you may be on the wrong drug to treat your depression…go to a company that deals with dept management and have him/her create a custom payment plan to help you get out of dept

I just recently started getting panic/Anxiety Attacks when i was pregnant.I had a several of them the last few months of pregnancy.After i had my son (5 months ago), i stopped getting them.But this week i started getting attacks again for some reason.I want to kno how do u handle it when ur in that situation, or make them go away.Any suggestions?

Believe it or not but just a simple drink of water gets rid of the attacks…I never go to bed without a glass of water on my night stand.