10 ways to stop panic attacks

10 ways to stop panic attacks

ways to stop panic attacks-And as everyone who has experienced a panic attack knows, there is nothing fantastic about the way you feel. I tried to convince my husband on countless occasions, in the middle of the attack, that I was dying. I have driven many people I know to the emergency room with the conviction that they are having a heart attack.

The physiological symptoms are so severe and real that you cannot believe that your mind is partly to blame for this. The word “” seems so lame to cling to the sweat, the rapid heartbeat and the immense horror of what it feels like.

At the moment of my life when I was feeling very depressed and anxious, when my kids were in preschool, I carried a paper bag with me in case I had a panic attack. It would help stabilize my breathing so that I would not be overheated and irritable while practicing their karate as Mr. Joe was asking them to use a “black belt” to control their thoughts. Since then, I have graduated to other techniques that rehabilitate my parasympathetic nervous system as I begin to panic and help calm me down before reaching that painful and embarrassing place. Here are some of them.

ways to stop panic attacks

Breathe deeply


Every relaxation technique that relieves the stress response and stops our “fight or flight or I’m on your way getting out of the heck” reaction is based on deep breathing. I find it miraculous how something as simple as slow abdominal breathing has the power to calm our entire nervous system. One way to do this is by stimulating our vagus nerve – our BFF in the middle of panic – because it releases a variety of anti-stress enzymes and calming hormones like acetylcholine, prolactin, and oxytocin. In, I go through three basic methods: coherent breathing, resistance breathing, and breathing. But really, all you have to do is inhale the count to six, exhale to six, and move the breath from your chest to your diaphragm.

Spray water on your face


Have you ever noticed that when you spray cold water on your face, it changes your perspective – if only for a minute? Research indicates that immersing the face in cold water produces physiological changes by stimulating the parasympathetic system. Quickly implants the vagus nerve (our sedative mate), which lowers our heart rate while activating our digestive and immune systems. The area behind our eyeballs appears to be the site of easy and powerful stimulation of the vagus nerve.

10 ways to stop panic attacks

Panic attacks can be frightening and strike you quickly. Here are 10 strategies you can use to try to stop a panic attack when you have an attack or feel it coming:

  • Use deep breathing

While hyperventilation is a symptom of panic attacks that can increase fear, deep breathing can reduce panic symptoms during an attack.

  • Know that you are having a panic attack
    By realizing that you are having a panic attack instead of a heart attack, you can remind yourself that this is temporary, it will pass, and that you are fine.
  • Close your eyes
    Some panic attacks come from triggers that confuse you. If you are in a fast-paced environment with a lot of triggers, this can fuel your panic attack. To reduce the stimuli, close your eyes to focus on your breathing.
  • Awaken your mind
    Mindfulness can help anchor you in the reality around you. Because panic attacks can cause a feeling of actual detachment or detachment from reality, this can combat your panic attack when it’s approaching or actually happening.
  • Find the focus object
    Some people find it helpful to find one thing to focus all of their attention on during a panic attack. Pick one thing insight and get your eyes on it.
  • Use muscle relaxation techniques
    Like deep breathing, muscle relaxation techniques can help stop a panic attack and give the body a chance to control it. For professional help with muscle relaxation techniques, click here
  • Think of your favorite place
    What is the most comfortable place in the world that you can think of? A sunny beach with gently rolling waves? A cabin in the mountains? Picture yourself there, and try to focus on the details as much as possible.
  • Engage in light exercise
    Endorphins keep blood pumping at once. It can help flood the body with endorphins, which can improve your mood. Because you’re tired, choose a gentle light exercise that is gentle on the body, such as walking or swimming if you aren’t hyperventilating.
  • Keep lavender on hand
    Lavender is known to be a soothing and relaxing stress reliever. It can help your body relax. If you know you are prone to panic attacks, keep some lavender oil on hand.
  • This too will pass
    You can internally repeat a comforting and reassuring sentence, such as repeating saying that this is just a temporary fit and it will pass like any other.
  • Have you ever had a panic attack?