It happens to all of us in one form or another at some point in our lives. Anxiety, depression or just sheer panic. In most cases the actual cause of this problem is relatively minor, and after a short while all is back to normal and we get on with our lives until the next time.
But for some people this is just the beginning of a serious problem requiring outside help and assistance.
This article is really aimed at the majority of us who, with a little self help, can overcome these attacks and be none the worse for the experience. Those unfortunate enough not to be able to do this may benefit from some of the tips (they are worth trying), but if they don't feel it helping them they should obviously seek professional assistance.
Tip 1. Breathing
If you feel an attack of anxiety or panic coming on (and trust me you'll know), the most common and effective method of relief is to use a paper bag. It's simple but it works. The cause is normally an imbalance between the oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. By breathing in and out of a paper bag the balance between the two is restored. If you don't happen to have a paper bag handy, then just using your hands cupped together will also work. Breathe deeply and evenly without taking the paper bag (or your cupped hands) away from your mouth. The idea being that you breathe in the air you've just exhaled which restores the balance.
Tip 2. Lifestyle
If you regularly feel these anxiety or panic attacks coming on, you may want to look at altering your lifestyle in some way. Just doing things differently may get you 'out of the rut'. There's nothing more depressing than doing the same thing day after day. When you get up in the morning you have to have something to look forward to, even if it's only having a cup of coffee with a friend. Have a look at what you do every day and see if you can change it round a bit, it could make all the difference to how you feel.
Tip 3. Exercising
Doing regular exercises every day can also help. You don't have to start training to run a marathon, even gentle exercises will help, but do them regularly. If you can, cut down or stay off alcohol for a while too. Alcohol can act as a depressant so if you're already feeling down you'll only make it worse.
Tip 4. Eating
What you eat and when you eat can make a big difference to how you feel. You don't need to go on a strict diet unless you want to, but eat less, eat sensibly and eat regularly. Try to stay off junk and processed food too, as they can make you feel worse. As with most things in life, use common sense and you won't go too far wrong.
Tip 5. Talking
One of the most important things you can do if you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks is to stay calm and not do anything in a hurry. Another important thing to do is talk. Talking somehow releases a lot of pent up emotions and frustration trapped inside your mind and can make you feel better just by sharing these feelings with someone else. The old saying 'A problem shared is a problem halved' has no truer meaning. At times like this family and friends are the most important people you can have around you. Trust them.
Always find something to do. Never sit around thinking, as this only leads to demons being found where none really exist, and the only outcome is further anxiety or panic attacks. Listen to music, watch television, go to the cinema or for a meal with friends, anything in fact to take your mind off whatever it is that troubles you. Dealing with anxiety or panic attacks does not always need professional medical assistance and can often be cured using nothing more than common sense and a positive outlook. Oh, and a little help from your friends.
For more information on coping with anxiety or panic attacks and what you can do about them go to http://www.donotpanic.info where you will find a lot of other advice too. Get a copy of our FREE newsletter while you're there and keep up with other ways of taking control of your life again. They say we only have one life so we need to look after it as best we can.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bernard_Thompson
But for some people this is just the beginning of a serious problem requiring outside help and assistance.
This article is really aimed at the majority of us who, with a little self help, can overcome these attacks and be none the worse for the experience. Those unfortunate enough not to be able to do this may benefit from some of the tips (they are worth trying), but if they don't feel it helping them they should obviously seek professional assistance.
Tip 1. Breathing
If you feel an attack of anxiety or panic coming on (and trust me you'll know), the most common and effective method of relief is to use a paper bag. It's simple but it works. The cause is normally an imbalance between the oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. By breathing in and out of a paper bag the balance between the two is restored. If you don't happen to have a paper bag handy, then just using your hands cupped together will also work. Breathe deeply and evenly without taking the paper bag (or your cupped hands) away from your mouth. The idea being that you breathe in the air you've just exhaled which restores the balance.
Tip 2. Lifestyle
If you regularly feel these anxiety or panic attacks coming on, you may want to look at altering your lifestyle in some way. Just doing things differently may get you 'out of the rut'. There's nothing more depressing than doing the same thing day after day. When you get up in the morning you have to have something to look forward to, even if it's only having a cup of coffee with a friend. Have a look at what you do every day and see if you can change it round a bit, it could make all the difference to how you feel.
Tip 3. Exercising
Doing regular exercises every day can also help. You don't have to start training to run a marathon, even gentle exercises will help, but do them regularly. If you can, cut down or stay off alcohol for a while too. Alcohol can act as a depressant so if you're already feeling down you'll only make it worse.
Tip 4. Eating
What you eat and when you eat can make a big difference to how you feel. You don't need to go on a strict diet unless you want to, but eat less, eat sensibly and eat regularly. Try to stay off junk and processed food too, as they can make you feel worse. As with most things in life, use common sense and you won't go too far wrong.
Tip 5. Talking
One of the most important things you can do if you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks is to stay calm and not do anything in a hurry. Another important thing to do is talk. Talking somehow releases a lot of pent up emotions and frustration trapped inside your mind and can make you feel better just by sharing these feelings with someone else. The old saying 'A problem shared is a problem halved' has no truer meaning. At times like this family and friends are the most important people you can have around you. Trust them.
Always find something to do. Never sit around thinking, as this only leads to demons being found where none really exist, and the only outcome is further anxiety or panic attacks. Listen to music, watch television, go to the cinema or for a meal with friends, anything in fact to take your mind off whatever it is that troubles you. Dealing with anxiety or panic attacks does not always need professional medical assistance and can often be cured using nothing more than common sense and a positive outlook. Oh, and a little help from your friends.
For more information on coping with anxiety or panic attacks and what you can do about them go to http://www.donotpanic.info where you will find a lot of other advice too. Get a copy of our FREE newsletter while you're there and keep up with other ways of taking control of your life again. They say we only have one life so we need to look after it as best we can.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bernard_Thompson
No comments:
Post a Comment