Help Options For Panic Attacks

Written by:  Ernest J. Geeting

Stress and anxiety are pretty much a normal part of everyday life.  In fact a certain amount of stress or anxiety can actually be healthy, stimulating us to reach goals and meet deadline.  But sometimes anxiety can become a powerful, ‘larger than life’ assailant.  When that happens one feels as if he/she is under attack.  Indeed, we actually call these assaults to our emotions ‘panic attacks’.

Panic attacks are very scary events that can involve trembling, breathing difficulty, rapid heart beat, sweating, dizzines and more unpleasant things.  For the suffer of an panic attack it may feel like sanity or one’s very life is at risk of being lost.  For fear of embarrassment a victim of panic attacks my avoid certain events, social situations or even certain places that might trigger another attack.  Even the fear of an attack might be enough to bring another one on.

Indeed, panic attacks are an extremely uncomfortable and sometimes even debilitating event.  Fortunately for those who experience such things there is plenty of help available.  Not only are there medical and psychological treatments, there are also a number of natural alternatives that can be helpful.

All to often however anxiety and panic attacks go untreated.  Some people find they are just too embarrassed to seek professional help.  Others believe they can deal with the problem best by avoiding anything that might trigger an attack.  Some just plainly deny they have a problem and hope whatever it is will go away on it’s own.  Unfortunately none of these approaches will solve the problem and sooner or later more panic attacks will come.

Running from an anxiety disorder will not make it go away.  Action needs to be taken.

The first place to start is with your physician.  Get a proper diagnosis to make sure there is not some serious physical problem causing your symptoms.  Once you have your diagnosis you have options available to you.

One option of course is medication.  However medications can have side effects ranging from drowsiness or dizziness to severe allergic reactions.  Typically  anti anxiety medications are prescribed but antidepressants or beta blockers are also sometimes used.

Another option is psychological therapy.  But therapy can be very slow process and be very expensive, especially over time.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the usual method used.

The other option is the application of natural health alternatives.  Such methods include hypnosis, herbal remedies, acupuncture, aromatherapy, just to name a few.  More and more often even modern physicians are recommending the use of alternative or holistic health methods to their patients.

Ultimately you need to take action.  You have options.  Help for panic attacks is available!