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Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Attacks

By: Wendy Brausch

Standing in a supermarket queue, it's been a long wait but only one customer to go before you make it to the cashier. Wait, what was that sensation? An unpleasant feeling forms in your throat, your chest feels tighter, now a sudden shortness of breath, and what do you know- your heart skips a beat. "Please, God, not here."

Your eyes quickly scan your surrounding as you check to see if there is any personal threat. Pins and needles prick at your right shoulder as you become over conscious of the four strangers who have slipped up behind you and the person standing in your way of purchase and freedom from this situation. Your head then begins the slow explosion of fear that now has you a little dizzy as you dread the worse. A panic attack is about to come over you.

There is no doubt in your mind now that this is going to be a big one. Okay, focus: Remember what you have been taught, and it is time now to apply the coping techniques. Begin the deep breathing exercise your doctor recommended. In through the nose, out through the mouth.

Think relaxing thoughts, and again, while breathing in, think "Relax," and then breathe out. But it doesn't seem to be having any positive effect; in fact, just concentrating on breathing is making you feel self-conscious and more uptight.

Okay, coping technique 2: Gradual muscle relaxation. Tense both shoulders, hold for 10 seconds, then release. Try it again. No; still no difference. The anxiety is getting worse and the very fact that you are out of coping techniques worsens your panic. If only you were surrounded by your family, or a close friend were beside you so you could feel more confident in dealing with this situation.

Your body stings with the tingling as adrenaline pumps faster in your body, you then feel the terror of losing your complete control right there in the check out line. However, for those around you it is just another day and they have no sense of how you are feeling.

You are out of options. Time for Plan C. The most basic coping skill of all is "fleeing." Excuse yourself from the queue; you are slightly embarrassed as it is now that it is your turn to pay. The cashier is looking bewildered as you leave your shopping behind and stroll towards the door. There is no time for excuses - you need to be alone. You leave the supermarket and get into your car to ride it out alone. Could this be the big one? The one you fear will push you over the edge mentally and physically. Ten minutes later the panic subsides. It's still only 10:30 a.m. How are you going to make it through the rest of the day?

To someone who suffers from panic attack the scenario above can seen alarmingly familiar. In fact, it is possible just reading this article that the feelings of panic and anxiety are triggered. Everyone is different; therefore, it is normal that their triggers for attacks may differ. A panic attack can occur anywhere at any time.

If you have ever had what has become known as a "panic attack," take comfort in the fact that you are by no means alone. A panic attack always comes with the acute sense of impending doom. You feel you are either about to lose your mind or one of your vital bodily functions is about to cease functioning and you will end your days right there among the canned goods and frozen food.

Did you know that in the United States that the estimate of those stricken by panic attacks is nearly five percent? This means you are not even one in a million. For many individuals their episodes are triggered by the expectation of dealing with others while speaking, and there are those who suffer daily and have become homebound by the frequency of their panic attacks. Often panic attacks that develop frequently are referred to as anxiety disorder by the medical profession.

However, not all is lost, as the beginning of your road to recovery starts right here. Here you will learn that there is a good chance that you are about to learn something that will end your cycle of panic attacks. Not only will you learn to gain new confidence in life, but also you will be able to regain your lifestyle. Here you will find an answer to living panic or anxiety attack free.

First you must realize that key to avoiding panic attacks is to want to have one as this will naturally push it away from you. For example, give it a try right this minute. Are you able to have a panic attack? No. The reason is that what ever you choose to refuse to go along with will refuse to go away. This fact also includes the feeling of fear. That is to say that if you resist a fearful situation, that fear will continue. The way you stop an anxiety attack is to embrace it as you move directly in its path, doing so will discourage the attack.

In essence what this means is that if you daily voluntarily seek to have a panic attack, you cannot have one. Try in this very moment to have a panic attack and I will guarantee you cannot. You may not realize it but you have always decided to panic. You make the choice by saying this is beyond my control.

The good news is, in all reality you cannot be harmed by a panic attack. Even though your heart is racing, you will not be harmed. You are perfectly safe and you can control your emotions.

Article Source: Main Articles

About the Author: Wendy Brausch runs an anxiety and panic disorder support website. For self-help tips and advice on dealing with panic attack symptoms get her free report at Conquer Panic Attack Symptoms
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