Coping with Anxiety Attack

During an anxiety attack, it may feel like the world is ending. As your heart races and hands shake, you might experience choking sensations, heart palpitations so strong that it feels like you're having a heart attack and an overwhelming sense of impending doom. As frightening as these symptoms may be, it is important to remember that there are steps you can take to minimize and manage your symptoms. Coping with an anxiety attack is never easy, but by utilizing a few tried and tested techniques, you can find the relief you need. 

Self-Help Strategies for Coping With Anxiety Attack


One of the first steps you may take is to implement a number of different self-help techniques to reduce the frequency of anxiety attacks and minimize their symptoms. While these methods are not necessarily designed to cure anxiety attacks, they are excellent coping techniques that can make your daily life much less stressful.

One of the first steps you should take is to make sure that you are getting the emotional support you need to deal with your anxiety attacks. Enlist the help of friends and family, and spend time discussing your concerns with people that you trust. If your social network is limited, consider seeking help from a support group, either online or offline. These connections can make coping with your anxiety attacks much easier in addition to contributing to your overall emotional health.

Another step you may take to aid in coping with an anxiety attack is to learn new relaxation techniques that can help diffuse high stress. Some examples include deep breathing, yoga and meditation. Even daily exercise is a great way to lower your stress levels and lower your chances of experiencing an anxiety attack.

Asking for Professional Help to Cope With Your Anxiety Attacks


Self-help techniques can be enormously helpful, but it is important to know when to seek out assistance from an anxiety treatment professional. If your anxiety attacks have reached a level where you are no longer able to perform your normal activities and are under significant distress, contact a health care professional. Your family doctor or local hospital can refer you to a specialist equipped to offer the treatment you need.

In your efforts to increase your anxiety attack coping abilities, your doctor may recommend psychotherapy or some type of anxiety medication. Oftentimes, your treatment plan will involve a mix of therapy, psychopharmacological treatment and self-help strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which involves changing both the thoughts and behavior that precipitate an anxiety attack, has been shown to be an extremely effective treatment method for coping with anxiety attacks.

While anxiety attacks can be frightening, or even downright debilitating, you do not have to suffer in silence. Experiment with different self-help methods to find which ones work best for your unique situation, and look for professional advice for coping with an anxiety attack.
 

"I had been on medication for ten years prior to using the Attacking Anxiety and Depression Program. Ten years and even my psychiatrist said I may have to be on drugs for the rest of my life. Now without medication I feel wonderful. The Attacking Anxiety and Depression Program was a miracle for me." - Ginny

So there I was, a nurse, working in the emergency room taking care of people who have this and I couldn't help myself. I am different now because of the program. I'm living life, I am connected. I feel more energetic. I enjoy silly things. I used to say that I just didn't have time for that. If I wouldn't have found the program I think I would still be on a very dark road. - Mona

I'm looking forward to life now knowing all of the skills and all of the useful information from the Attacking Anxiety and Depression Program. It will change the way you live, change the way you eat, change the way you exercise. This program has made me look at life and the way I feel in ways I never had before. - Victor

Before I found the program I had trouble just walking out to the mailbox to get the mail. I thought I was going to drop over and die or faint. After the program, everything's changed. I'm just glad that I can live my life and not be afraid of what people think. I'm not afraid to go for my dreams, I don't sit around and wait as life passes my by. - Elizabeth

I first started experiencing anxiety and panic attacks when I was in college. I didn't understand what was happening so I started isolating myself and I started drinking more. I started feeling better when I first got the program. Life now to me is very good. There is more for me to do and I can do anything if I put my mind to it. - Roderick