Anxiety Attacks And Panic Disorder Treatment » Anxiety Attacks

Explanation on Anxiety Attacks and How to stop them?

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:44:20 +0000

I’ve been searching out what exactly has been going on with me, and I’ve been told I may be having "anxiety" attacks. Can someone explain to me the exact symptoms and basically the mechanics I guess you could say of an anxiety attack. What are they and how can I stop them when they come on?

Anxiety disorders are divided into generalized anxiety, phobic, and panic disorders; each with its own characteristics and symptoms. You can experience anything from simple nervousness to bouts of terror.

Anxiety as a problem can become pretty nasty. Not surprisingly, it seems to happen more under high stress, but it can suddenly show up form as single stressful event. People not only feel nervous but they can get headaches, muscle spasms, the sweats, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. A lot of people who have increased anxiety also develop clinical depression.

Somebody already mentioned increased adrenaline, but over the last 15-20 years there’s been a lot of study about changes in the brain associated with anxiety and other emotional disorders. For example, there are chemicals in the rain called neurotransmitters that either speed up or slow down brain activity. An imbalance in the relative levels of these chemicals can either cause a person to feel overly stimulated or unable to get themselves out of bed. A decrease in one of these, a chemical called GABA has been associated with chronic anxiety.

Over time, they are finding actual brain changes as a result of chronic imbalances such as an increase or decrease in gray matter, so it’s probably a good idea to get these disorders under control earlier rather than later.

How can I help resolve my anxiety attacks?

admin — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:28:11 +0000

I am currently on 150mg/day of EffexorXR for depression and anxiety. However, lately I have had Panic Attacks or Anxiety Attacks at least every other day. I begin feeling short of breathe, my hands start to shake and I get very antsy. I cannot take another 150 tablet during the day, but I would like to know other methods of relaxing or calming myself down (possibly without medication).
I have been on effexor for about 2 years and I have been in counseling for the same amount of time.

I am so sorry you are going through this. I know all too well what you are going through, as I have had fairly significant problems with panic and anxiety in the past. I remember feeling very sad, overwhelmed, embarrassed, ashamed – you name it!

It is my personal opinion that medications, while helpful, can only do so much. You need therapy along with meds to help provide you with tools to cope with the anxiety and panic attacks. I saw a therapist when I was having difficulties – I recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This is NOT the "sit on the couch and talk about your childhood therapy". This is therapy that teaches you techniques to cope with anxiety. Remember, anxiety is just your body reacting in a maladaptive way to stress. You can unlearn it, but it takes help. Good luck to you!

Is it possible to stop anxiety and panic attacks with a positive mindset?

admin — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:36:23 +0000

Okay so I get frequent Panic Attacks/anxiety attacks and I find sometimes, that if they’re mild, I can talk myself out of it. Has anyone ever managed their anxiety and panic by self talk or reassurance? Does it really help?

Self-talk and reassurance are my go-to fixes for managing an panic or anxiety disorder. I find if I also have a "safe person" to speak to this helps. My safe person knows a few key phrases for reassurance if I am so far gone that I am unable to help myself.

Another non-drug non-psychiatrist way to deal with panic and anxiety disorder is to build routine into your day. Sleep at the same time every night, wake up at the same time every day. Before bed have a night time routine (shut off the lights in the same order, brush your teeth/hair, wash your face in the same order). This prepares your mind for sleep and can ensure that you have a more restful sleep. Good sleeping habits go a long way to preventing Anxiety Attacks.

What is a good way to calm down anxiety attacks?

admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:07:17 +0000

My boyfriend gets Anxiety Attacks and gets shortness of breath and panics. We try warm milk but that works once in a while. What other remedies do work?

Breathing exercises are one of the most effective ways to calm down in the moment. Paying attention to your breath, and taking long, slow breaths, and exhaling very slowly can be very effective. I find that the slow, controlled motions of movement arts like Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong, and even some forms of dance like Blues Dance can be very helpful in centering one’s mind. You might want to suggest taking up one of these things.

I also think that a cognitive approach, raising awareness of your thoughts, can be very helpful to preventing anxiety. There is often a series of thoughts that races through a person’s head before they have a panic attack. If you can become aware of these thoughts, you can catch them before they spiral out of control.

Other things to consider are diet (you can eat certain things to minimize anxiety!), and physical touch (if you are with your b/f in person, try being more affectionate in simple ways, hugs, holding hands, etc; this can be really relaxing). Lastly, there are some herbal teas which are helpful for anxiety.

I think the approaches that bring the most immediate and most powerful results are breathing exercises (which anyone can always do!), touch (if you’re there), and catching the panicky thoughts racing through your head (which is a long-term skill you need to develop).

Good luck! I’m attaching a page that I’ve compiled that goes into these suggestions in more detail and explains how and why they work.

How do i control anxiety attacks without medication?

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:08:14 +0000

I have been on anxiety medication for over a year and I’m tired of taking it. How can I control Anxiety Attacks without the meds?

I have had this same problem. This sounds simple, but first of all you have to quit giving them so much power. In other words when you feel one coming on try to divert your attention. Don’t feel embarrassed and try to hide them or fight them. Just accept it as part of who you are. When you feel it coming on just say excuse me and say to yourself bring it on. That takes away its power. People don’t really care what we are experiencing anyway for the most part. I always pray too and ask God to help me with it. Best wishes to you.. I know they are difficult.

What is the reason for my frequent anxiety attacks?

admin — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 02:30:17 +0000

I didn’t smoke and weed for about 3 days, then I finally did smoke again and I had a sever anxiety attack. I didn’t have any actual attacks after this but I kept getting an irritating anxiousness, and I finally decided to quit smoking. But two days later, I got really depressed and after my mood lifted, I felt nauseous and had another bad anxiety attack. They kept happening after this but slowly got less severe. If the first few attacks were from smoking weed, why would they keep happening after I quit?

There are several reasons for Anxiety Attacks.

One reason is because of illegitimate desires, one may get anxiety.

Secondly, if one is not nurturing healthy, constructive and noble thoughts, habits and traits and if one is not building strong moral behaviors, then it can also lead to anxiety.

Thirdly, if one is not having physical self-discipline and mental control, it can lead to anxiety.

Fourthly one should have homogeneous thoughts, words and deeds. If there is any mismatch in ones thinking, talking and action, it may result in anxiety.

Please analyze everything and try to come out this problem by some self-efforts.

Are anxiety attacks common during pregnancy and should I be concerned?

admin — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:23:52 +0000

I am 34 weeks gone and have suddenly been getting what I think are Anxiety Attacks. My heart starts pouding and my breathing becomes shallow, I feel tearful and nervous but don’t know why – they come at any time and I’ve never had anything like this before. My blood pressure has also gone up (only to a normal level – it’s usually on the low side) is this normal?

i had the same thing happend to me around 5months pregnant and onwards.Alot of people i know have had the same thing so ild say its pretty normal.Mine were more like Panic Attacks,all you have to remember is that it will pass so when it happens sit down and concentrate on your breathing.I used to feel really dizzy and faint aswel but it did pass,and i dont think it harms the baby but mention it to your midwife at ur next appointment.i know its scary but jus remember to relax,goodluck in the rest of the pregnancy chick!

Looking for people in the general San Jose area with anxiety attacks and such to talk with?

admin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:46:08 +0000

I have developed Anxiety Attacks. Followed by anorexia. Is there anyone going through something similar who would be willing to chat about this? I am in my 30’s and a mom. Its really hard anymore.

Hi, I am the author of http://panicattackresearch.blogspot.com

Do not worry, I am not spamming my site – my site don’t sell products or anything. My site is solely dedicated to panic-attacks or people whom have anxiety. I give tips on how to sleep even if you have anxiety.
Please do visit and post any questions there or here so that I can help you further.

I have been a sufferer for 12-years and am doing well. My blog is dedicated to help. I will be updating my blog every 5-7 days on new ways to cope anxiety. I have just made few good entries on coping – I hope it will help you.

I started out taking prozac 20mg daily.. then it dropped to 10mg and now I am just taking 5mg and still doing very well. I might be considering taking medication off my life.
And most importantly, I am here to help you because I know how it feels to have anxiety or Panic Attacks.

There are free tips and free items on relaxation and such for you to download!

All the best,
Seng

What should i do about bad anxiety attacks?

admin — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:58:22 +0000

Im 18 and i have ADD and very bad anxiety. I have these horrible Anxiety Attacks that seem to come more and more often now. I take 30 mg of prozac and it doesnt seem to help. My pyschiatrist just keeps on upping the dosage but it still doesnt work. can anyone tell me what i should ask him to prescribe me or what i should do. i dont think he gets how bad these attacks are effecting me. What should i ask him to do or to take?

How long have you been on prozac? It takes at least 6 weeks for this drug to take FULL effects on you, personally I have been on it for a couple years now and once it kicked in, I loved it, helped big time. If its well over 6 weeks and its still not helping ask your doctor to switch your meds. I experience panic and anxiety attacks as well and I can tell you first hand, they suck. I take Atavan (Lorazepam) for fast onset when I feel I need it as well as the Prozac, that has helped as well, I have heard Xanax helps some, though I didnt care for it myself. The only thing you can do is keep trying and know you will get through it, the paper bag crap never helped me, or the breathing but they may be useful to you, if you feel it coming on try and get up and get away from whatever situation you are in even at work or school, it may help. Lastly talk to friends and family as much as possible really get it out there, people are more understanding then you think, it will get better, know that and good luck

Any good natural remedies for anxiety attacks?

admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 21:46:18 +0000

I deal with Anxiety Attacks and depression and would like to heal it naturally. Any suggestions?

I used to have anxiety attacks and still have them once in a while.

What helps me is:

1. Take long, deep breaths. It slows the heart beat. I used to feel a warmth throughout my whole body, this is normal.

2. Drink Orange Blossom (very hot) or Valeriane herbal tea. It helps relax before you go to bed.

3. Take a hot bath. It knocks me right out.

4. Listen to self-hypnosis tape. It saved me from insanity many times. It is called "Relieves Stress and Anxiety" and you can find it at www.thepotentialsunlimited.com

When I had surgery last year I panicked again because I had weird reactions to pain killers and I listened to it about 4 times a day. I was glad I still had it after 15 years !!!

5. Get into meditation and yoga classes. You will learn A LOT of relaxation techniques. Or you can get a book on it.

6. Self-help classes would also help. Panick attacks are the result of repressed emotions and I am pretty sure if you dig inside yourself you will find stuff that will amaze you.

My panick attacks were the result of me, as a child, not knowing in which kind of a mood my alcoholic dad would be when he got home.

7. As weird as it sounds, stay away from refined sugar and coffee.

8. Stay away from negative people.

9. Do physical exercise. It stimulates the endorphins in your brain, endorphins are the pleasure hormone that are released when you exercise, listen to music or do pleasant activities.

10. Find your passion. Me, it was martial arts. It kept me busy enough to stop worrying. Life is much better when you are working towards a goals that you have at heart.

Lastly, if all that fails, which I doubt, I recommend you see a doctor. Your hormones might need some help to be balanced. Even if they put you on medication, tell yourself that this is temporary and that you will not need it for long.