How To Stop Panic Attacks Before They Escalate

Everyone at one time or another feels nervous, fearful and shaky when a college report is due or when asked to speak in front of an audience, but for some individuals this fear is so intensified it literally interferes with leading normal productive lives. There may be symptoms of a pounding heart with feelings impending death, a desire to flee, nausea, dizziness, the sensation of suffocation, especially if in a crowd of people or in line at the grocery store. Often the fear and anxiety become so crippling, they cannot leave the safety of their homes to even shop for basic supplies. This is because they have no weapons that help them on how to stop panic attacks before they take over. Fortunately, due to a greater recognition of anxiety and panic disorders, successful treatments which include prescription medication and self talk strategies to teach the individual how to stop panic attacks before they escalate, has allowed many to return to their former lives and employment.

Prescription medication such as the anti depressants Effexor, Prozac, Celexa, Pristiq and others for panic disorders work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain thereby reducing anxiety and causing feelings of happiness and self worth. Many of these medications have assisted with how to stop panic attacks for those who were doomed to stay in their homes forever, and given them a new lease on life, and side effects are minimal in most cases. In combination with medication and self talk, plus biofeedback, individuals with this disorder are able to learn effectively how to stop panic attacks before they start.

Self talk is very successful in treating panic disorders because the lessons stay with the individual long after medication has stopped and serves as a good armor to protect themselves all their lives. One man described his being a victim of panic and anxiety. He stated the feelings were magnified while standing in line at the store before he had the key on how to stop panic attacks, because it felt as if the other people in line were pressing up against him. The odor emanating from the people was so strong he swore that he could literally feel and smell their breath on him. It was as if those strangers were closing in on him until finally they would succeed in suffocating him to death. With self talk, this man has learned how to stop panic attacks and now chooses the express lines when shopping. If there are more than two people, he waits until the line is short.

Sometimes self talk for a victim of panic disorder is negative, but with the help of a counselor or mental health specialist, teaching positive self talk helps tremendously in turning the disorder around and learning how to stop panic attacks. One of the lessons of self talk taught on how to stop panic attacks before they start is to practice relaxation breathing exercises. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose, then exhale from the mouth. This relaxes the body and gives peace to the mind. Eating properly, and exercising for the endorphins is another self talk strategy. Try to reduce caffeine for better heart rate. All of the above will provide the weapons needed on how to stop panic attacks. Return to Anxiety Treatment home page.