Anxiety Attacks and Panic Disorder 

Anxiety attacks or panic attacks can happen to anyone, but sometimes they can become a recurring problem that severely impacts upon the persons quality of life and mental well-being.

And because dealing with stress and emotional problems can be such an important part of eating disorders, we thought we’d discuss the issue here.

So what are Panic and Anxiety Attacks?

They are basically extreme exaggerations of our bodies natural stress-hormone response system, when the unpleasant symptoms we experience when dealing with stress have become magnified and intensified to a frightening degree!

For example:

• We experience a stressful event or thought…
• Which leads to our body releasing stress hormones in response to the ‘perceived threat’…
• Which produces the unpleasant symptoms of stress…
• Which cause us to feel MORE stressed or anxious…
• And so more stress hormones are released…
• And so the unpleasant symptoms are intensified…
• Leading to increased fear and anxiety…
• And so on and so on………to a full-blown panic attack!

This process can happen almost instantaneously, and once experienced it can develop into a ‘conditioned response’. This means that just by being in a similar situation to when it first occurred, the FEAR of having panic or anxiety attacks can set the process going again, and so actually cause one to happen!

What are the symptoms of Anxiety and Panic Attacks?

The symptoms experienced can be extremely alarming, and in worse cases even terrifying for the sufferer.

Such symptoms can include:

• A racing or pounding heartbeat
• Breathlessness or hyperventilation
• Dry mouth
• Feelings of fear or dread
• Sweating
• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Shaking and trembling sensations
• Feeling of wanting to escape the situation as soon as possible
• Ringing in the ears

How to Deal With Panic and Anxiety Attacks:      

If you suffer in this way, it is advisable to first see your doctor who can rule out any other medical reasons for the symptoms you are experiencing. That done, try this 4-step coping technique:

STEP 1:
Remember that what you are experiencing is just an exaggeration of your body’s NORMAL response to stress. Although frightening, the sensations are NATURAL, HARMLESS, and TEMPORARY. Start to notice your symptoms with this sense of understanding rather than fear.

STEP 2:
PAUSE and BREATHE. Focus on your breathing. Take calm breaths in followed by long, slow breaths out. Let your shoulders drop and relax. Give yourself TIME for the feelings to pass. Keep focusing on your breathing.

STEP 3:
Calm your inner voice. Do not add to the fear by worrying about what might happen. Say to yourself in a CALM, REASSURING tone what you need to hear: that you are safe; that you know what to do; and that in a moment it will soon be over. Remember the saying “This Too Shall Pass”.

STEP 4:
RE-FOCUS. Look around you. Become aware of your senses. Notice 5 things that you can see (try counting them to your self as you notice them). Notice 5 things that you can hear. Notice 5 things that you can feel (for instance the feeling of the chair that you are sitting on, or the feeling of your glasses on your nose). 5 things that you can smell. Playing this little game helps to distract you from the feelings of anxiety or fear, and re-connects you with your surroundings.

If necessary, repeat the same steps above until the sensations of anxiety and panic have subsided. Then move on calmly with whatever you have to do.

Once you have learned to cope better with your anxiety or panic attacks, you will have the confidence that should they occur again, you will know what to do and will feel more in control. And this increasing confidence will actually reduce the likelihood of one happening again, or to such a bad extent.

Over time, you will find that you can regain control over this aspect of your life. And if stress and anxiety has been a trigger for other problems such as compulsive eating disorders, then you should hopefully find that these improve as well!

For more information on dealing with stress and anxiety attacks you can also go to:
http://www.stress-relief-workshop.com/