Symptoms
of a
Panic Attack
- Overwhelming feelings of gloom or sadness
- Tingling in the hands and feet
- Inability to think of the right word(s)
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DOES HOLIDAY SHOPPING GIVE YOU A PANIC ATTACK? |
I ran into Erica the other day and the conversation soon
turned to holiday shopping. Erica is the girl we used to invite on our shopping sprees,
knowing she was busy and could not join us. I know that is mean but she was always having
panic attacks in the stores and would cause a big scene when she fainted and then we would
spend the rest of the afternoon at the doctors getting her some new medication.
A panic attack occurs when your body produces too much adrenaline, which is the natural
chemical your body creates to protect you in fight or flight situations. If there is real
danger and you have to escape your surroundings, the adrenaline will come in handy and
give you the extra strength or speed you need to survive.
The panic attacks that drive you bonkers are those triggered emotionally or physically and
occur in the face of no visible threat, such as when your boss walks in the room or you
are out shopping with your girlfriends.
Since you are not fleeing or protecting yourself, the adrenaline has no where to go, and
as it surges through your system it produces unpleasant symptoms such as fear,
bewilderment, disorientation, heightened perception (too loud, too light), overwhelming
feelings of gloom or sadness, irritability, dizziness, sweating, heart palpitations, tight
chest, tingling in the hands and feet, inability to think of the right word or fainting.
Numerous things can trigger a panic attack from unconscious psychological links that dip
back into childhood all the way to your current diet and eating habits, blood sugar
levels, allergies, jet lag and low blood pressure.
In the era of multiple doctors, psychologists, internists, general practitioners and
patients who give doctors less than complete information, it is easy to misdiagnose and
treat a panic attack.
Shirley Trickett, author of the book "Panic Attacks", and anxiety management
coach, personally suffered from panic attacks and then compiled numerous studies and
self-help answers from medical journals and files, scientific publications, and empirical
wisdom. Here are some of her simple solutions you can apply so you do not miss that next
shopping spree with the girls:
* Medication, particularly antidepressants, can be very useful in treating anxiety
disorders and is often used in combination with other forms of therapy, such as
cognitive-behavioral therapy. A complete list of recommended medications and side effects
normally used to treat panic attacks can be found at www.adaa.org/AnxietyDisorderInfor/Medications.cfm
* Do not make any changes in your medication without your doctor's approval.
* When you visit the doctor, show up prepared to discuss your current health, medication
history and list of symptoms.
* Keep a daily "health journal" that includes how you feel today, your sleep
patterns, your stress levels, any physical, mental or emotional symptoms you might have.
Include a list of all the over-the-counter medications you are taking, vitamins and
prescription drugs.
* Do not run your body to the point of exhaustion. When you
are fatigued, your nervous system is overwhelmed and extra sensitive. If you are too hard
on your nerves, your adrenaline levels rise changing your brain chemistry.
* Practice breathing exercises. The most simple and beneficial breathing exercise to
circulate the oxygen in your brain is "short in (2-3 seconds) and long out (4-6
seconds)." Over breathing, hyperventilating or holding your breath can all lead to
panic attacks.
* Dramatic drops in blood sugar levels cause a flood of adrenaline to rush through your
system creating problems like dull headaches, eye twitching, sugar cravings, low energy,
lapses in concentration and anxiety. Avoid fast sugars like pies, cakes, cookies and soda
that break down too quickly in the bloodstream and eat more raw fruits and vegetables
which break down slowly in the digestive system and regulate glucose levels.
* Eat regularly. Do not skip meals. Do not smoke or have caffeine without having some food
in your system.
* Get to know everything there is to know about your disorder. Understand why and how the
symptoms occur. More symptoms and solutions can be found by visiting www.anxietypanic.com
* Practice meditations where you can relax your mind and body on cue.
* Most specialists recommend a combination of cognitive and behavioral therapies for panic
disorder. Cognitive therapy can help you uncover how your fears are being created, learn
methods for dealing with them and teach you to regain control of your feelings and
thoughts. The American Psychological Association has a wealth of information at www.apa.org/pubinfo/panic.html
* Find a therapist who can help you deal with your anxiety disorder www.adaa.org/Public/Find.cfm
Angela Brown (c) 2002, Angela Brown is a highly sought after
speaker and seminar leader and can be reached at Angela@WordsofWellness.com |
You
CAN Stop Your Panic Attacks with help from Shirley Trickett
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Simple Solutions You Can Apply Today for Immediate Results
After suffering personally from panic attacks, Trickett
compiles numerous studies and self-help answers from medical journals and files,
scientific publications, and empirical wisdom on how to recognize symptoms of panic
attacks and how to treat them yourself.
Covering topics from exhausted nerves to low blood sugar she gives some wonderful
suggestions on how a healthy diet, muscle maintenance and proper breathing can reduce the
cause and effect of Agoraphobia.
Great book with lots of practical information.
- Angela Brown
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