5 Critical Steps to Prepare For a Panic Attack
Do you suffer from some type of anxiety disorder? If you do, then panic attacks may be a part of your life as well.
Even with medication prescribed from you doctor, many people still suffer from the debilitating effects of panic and anxiety attacks.
Even though trying to predict when a panic attack is going to happen can be difficult, there are 5 critical steps you can take to prepare for a panic attack and regain some control over your life again.
Learning to breath properly is the first step.
This may seem a bit obvious, but when a panic attack hits, people are often overwhelmed and forget to breath properly.
Learning proper breathing techniques is a common practice that is advocated by many doctors because it will help calm you down.
To take this a step further, you need to know these techniques and practice them at least twice a day, so you will be better prepared when the next attack comes.
The next step is to be medically prepared.
Before you leave your home make sure you have your emergency contact list with you.
This list should include: your doctors number, a number to reach someone in your family, and the number to a member of your personal support system.
One of the best ways to prepare for a panic attack is to know your triggers.
Are you diagnosed with a specific phobia? Will excessive stress trigger an attack? Do certain situations seem to overwhelm you? By knowing the exact triggers that cause your attacks, you can better prepare yourself for these situations or even avoid them.
Another great way to prepare for a panic attack is to practice relaxation techniques.
Two of the most popular are yoga and mediation.
These relaxation techniques will go a long way to help reduce your overall stress levels.
These techniques are not a quick fix however, but learning how to calm yourself will allow you to better prepare and overcome a panic attack.
The final preparation step is to carry a bag with you.
Now I know this may seem a bit silly, but it is not the bag itself, but rather what is in it.
Inside your bag you should have any of the medications you are taking along with their instructions.
Also you will want to include any "comfort" items from home.
This could include anything like herbal teas, a Bible, photographs, stuffed animals, religious items, puzzles, books, hand cream, or anything else.
The idea is to have items that will keep you calm and relaxed, as well as stimulate you brain or distract you.
Even with medication prescribed from you doctor, many people still suffer from the debilitating effects of panic and anxiety attacks.
Even though trying to predict when a panic attack is going to happen can be difficult, there are 5 critical steps you can take to prepare for a panic attack and regain some control over your life again.
Learning to breath properly is the first step.
This may seem a bit obvious, but when a panic attack hits, people are often overwhelmed and forget to breath properly.
Learning proper breathing techniques is a common practice that is advocated by many doctors because it will help calm you down.
To take this a step further, you need to know these techniques and practice them at least twice a day, so you will be better prepared when the next attack comes.
The next step is to be medically prepared.
Before you leave your home make sure you have your emergency contact list with you.
This list should include: your doctors number, a number to reach someone in your family, and the number to a member of your personal support system.
One of the best ways to prepare for a panic attack is to know your triggers.
Are you diagnosed with a specific phobia? Will excessive stress trigger an attack? Do certain situations seem to overwhelm you? By knowing the exact triggers that cause your attacks, you can better prepare yourself for these situations or even avoid them.
Another great way to prepare for a panic attack is to practice relaxation techniques.
Two of the most popular are yoga and mediation.
These relaxation techniques will go a long way to help reduce your overall stress levels.
These techniques are not a quick fix however, but learning how to calm yourself will allow you to better prepare and overcome a panic attack.
The final preparation step is to carry a bag with you.
Now I know this may seem a bit silly, but it is not the bag itself, but rather what is in it.
Inside your bag you should have any of the medications you are taking along with their instructions.
Also you will want to include any "comfort" items from home.
This could include anything like herbal teas, a Bible, photographs, stuffed animals, religious items, puzzles, books, hand cream, or anything else.
The idea is to have items that will keep you calm and relaxed, as well as stimulate you brain or distract you.
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