The first step is to recognize that you are actually having a panic attack, which can really feel as if you are going to die. Your mind may be racing, you may have your thoughts out of control, or worse, feel that you are about to die. In order to stop the process, which is actually a result of improper breathing…
1. Recognize that you are having a panic attack. That’s all. Know it, believe this as a truth. And know with certainty, no one has died of a panic attack. This step goes a long way. Believe it.
2. Breathe in measured deep breadths. Do it slowly, counting as you go. Take your time inhaling, and take your time exhaling, just counting. Do this as slowly as you can, all the while focusing on nothing more than the numbers.
3. If you are hyperventilating, get a brown paper bag and breather into it until your breathing stabilizes long enough for you to repeat steps 1 and 2.
About the condition:
What Is A Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a condition of adrenaline being released into your bloodstream. A message of fear sends a signal to the adrenal glands that there is an emergency.
The adrenal glands are pea-sized organs that sit on top of your kidneys. They are filled with adrenaline that, when released into your body, gives you heightened abilities to respond to emergency situations. This emergency response causes physical symptoms that many people misinterpret as a heart attack or other serious physical conditions. Misinterpreting these symptoms can cause the fear response to continue.
Here’s How It Works
Adrenaline causes the heart to pump extra blood. This extra blood gets pumped into your major muscles to increase your ability to run fast and to increase the strength in your arms. Extra blood also goes into your brain to give you heightened abilities to respond to the emergency.
It takes three minutes from the time that your brain sends the emergency signal until your body is fully adrenalated with extra blood in your large arm and leg muscles and in your brain. In that three minute period you experience your heart pumping hard and extra blood flowing throughout your body. As long as your adrenal glands keep getting an emergency message, they continue to produce and release additional adrenaline. Once your brain stops signaling an emergency, your adrenal glands hold the adrenaline instead of releasing it.
It Only Takes Three Minutes To Stop A Panic Attack
It takes three minutes for your adrenal glands to fill your body with the adrenaline response. It also only takes three minutes for your body to stop the adrenaline reaction. If you stop a panic attack as soon as it starts, the reaction only has to last for three minutes.
You may wonder why I posted this. I was surprised to find out how many people were affected by this condition. Having suffered two accidents, I guess I just wanted to give a little bit.
August 4, 2009 at 4:28 am |
Today marks 18 years of panic attacks – you may feel that you are losing your life or your mind but try to remember that your body is simply playing tricks. If you have a triggering of this fight or flight response – try to change your seated position- go outside- call a friend- if you want them to stop – avoid sugar-caffeine, cigarettes, marijuana or any situation you know will cause you stress. My faith in God, my parents has rescued me many times from despair. Two decades now and they haven’t killed me yet. Hang in there baby !
November 9, 2009 at 7:48 am |
great article..glad to found this..thanks