Stopping a Panic Attack – 5 Things You Can Do When an Attack Seems Close

A Panic Attack can be very frightening, but it may help to remember that it no more than a sequence of bodily reactions to a perceived threat. Panic occurs when adrenaline is released into the blood stream and our bodies prepare for fight or flight. The symptoms are often disproportionate to the event. They can be very severe leading the sufferer to feel totally out of control. So what can we do stop a panic attack when an attack seems close?

a) Acknowledge, believe, and know that you have the power to stop this. Say the word STOP and repeat whilst checking and slowing your breathing. Take deep breaths in for the count of 7 and very slowly out for the count of 12, this will reverse the fight or flight affect.

b) Focus on your memory of a peaceful scene and describe it to yourself – This will distract you from your frightening thoughts and help restore perspective. Your thoughts are enormously powerful in this, so check them regularly to make sure that you are not winding yourself up to an attack which of course makes an attack more likely to occur.

c) Focus on what triggered the feelings of panic. Understanding the triggers and gaining insight will allow you to take control. It is an emotional reaction based on previous experience, and you really can master your thoughts to stop this happening. Just as an aside, your diet can have a massive affect on your mental and bodily reactions, so please reduce caffeine, alcohol, fats sugars and processed food. If you are feeling anxious steer well clear of caffeine particularly, as it will only serve to stimulate your nervous system and worsen your symptoms.

d) Stop the chain of thought by doing something different – Move around if you can which will distract the chain reaction and also burn off the excess adrenaline.
e) Realise that this feeling and condition is not life threatening, and you really can bring it under your control.

Getting a sensible life balance and learning to relax totally will help you tremendously in the longer term. If you are serious and determined about finding a fast and lasting solution to anxiety and panic, I would recommend that you look closely at my review on the Panic Away Program. Meditation practices will also help you focus and find lasting peace and serenity, and you can achieve altered states of consciousness quickly and easily with Binaural Beats recordings. They are effective upon first use and no extensive practise or discipline is required. Just listen with head phones, relax and enjoy!

Wishing you lasting peace and happiness.