Anxiety Go Away!

Experienced by a large number of people across the world, anxiety attack or panic attack is a feeling of sudden fear that can last from a few minutes to a couple of hours. These attacks may be triggered by any factor, from a specific phobia that one might have to being stuck in an elevator or having to make a public speech.

Some symptoms that point towards anxiety disorders include:

• A constant feeling of impending doom

• Having trouble concentrating and feeling unnaturally tense or worried
• Feeling of losing complete control or going insane
• Irritable and restless
• Unable to think clearly
• Palpitating heart and clammy hands
• Stomach cramps
• Breathing trouble or shortness of breath
• Feeling tired and insomniac
• Shaking

Of course, it is important to remember that since an anxiety attack is not a disease or ailment; symptoms generally vary from person to person and vary even in proportion. However, one common symptom among all is a continuous worry over something that most other people would discard as non-threatening.

Someone having the a panic attack is likely to start believing that the symptoms he has are indicative of further threats, thus increasing his condition into a severe panic attack. This state then becomes a vicious circle, commonly termed as an anxiety circle.

How Does An Anxiety Attack Set In?

Sudden feelings of panic or anxiety, or even a response to some fear is triggered by a neurological element in the brain, called Amygdala. This tiny element works towards releasing the hormones (adrenaline) into the body system for an apt reaction in a certain situation. In case the adrenaline released in not used up in the correct way, a condition of highly intimidating anxiety attack sets in.

Can I Be Cured Of An Anxiety Attack?

Sure you can, but before you start looking for a cure to this disorder, it is important to remind yourself that this is not a disease. One of the best treatments you can get is self-help. Start by recognizing the signs and fears since different anxieties require different treatments.

If the symptoms are such that your daily activities are disrupted, consult a therapist or a psychiatrist, who would be able to identify the trigger and suggest an apt treatment for it. Here, we enlist some basic guidelines to help you:

• Consulting: If you feel that you are having an anxiety attack, start by getting a thorough medical check-up to ensure your condition is not caused by any external factors. Once that possibility is negated, consult an experienced therapist for the correct treatment.

• Medications: Certain medications including antidepressants are known to reduce severe panic attacks and altogether eliminate them. Medications are particularly helpful in cases of specific phobias and other anxiety disorders.
• Behavioral Therapies: These treatment types focus mainly on altering one’s thought process. The Cognitive Behavior Therapy is one of the most common therapies used in which you are made to face and challenge your anxiety, thus gaining a greater sense of self-confidence.
• Regular Exercise: Proven to be a major stress reliever, scientific research shows that giving your body at least 30 minutes of exercise works wonders in beating the conditions of anxiety.
• Breathing Techniques: One of the most significant observations towards controlling your anxiety attack is learning the art of controlled breathing and deep breathing, which enhances a relaxed feeling significantly.

While you might occasionally experience one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, remember that not all worries signify an anxiety attack. An unhealthy and stressful lifestyle, lack of adequate sleep or even an overdose of caffeine can make you feel nervous. Take out time for relaxing, ease out your pressures, rid yourself of pessimistic thoughts and think positive for a balanced life.