Conquering Panic: Top 5 Triggers and How to Deal with Them
I think humans are the only species who have the capacity to worry. In a hectic world like ours, everything seems to blur into a whirlwind of schedules, deadlines and problems. Being anxious over death and taxes is only natural.
But what if you suddenly get an intense feeling of paranoia even under normal circumstances? People with anxiety disorders have ‘panic attacks’ for no reason at all. Intense feelings of pain and discomfort appear suddenly and without warning – even during ordinary activities like driving or watching a movie. If you are having similar symptoms, conquering panic may feel too overwhelming. Here are possible triggers and what to do about them:
Increasing Stress
Some experts say that panic attacks may be a result of burnout. If you are constantly overscheduled you may be at risk. Identify your priorities and live a more balanced lifestyle to keep stress to a manageable level.
Anxiety Disorder Runs in Your Family
Some experts believe that panic attacks may also come from a family history of this illness. If you have a close relative who has had panic attack episodes, the best thing to do is to get a doctor to confirm if you are at risk. Conquering panic attacks begins with identifying symptoms early.
Increased Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Experts recommend that patients suffering from anxiety disorders refrain from using alcohol and illegal drugs to cope with pressure. A support network of caring individuals like friends, family and a professional counselor can help you deal with the situation better.
Having Trouble Socializing or Communicating
If you have an intense fear of being trapped, or of being embarrassed socially, you may be having problems communicating your needs. Some experts recommend a combination of cognitive and behavior therapy to improve your perspective and people skills.
Suffering from Specific Phobias
Some of us have phobias that stem from childhood that never seem to get resolved. Suggested therapies for this include the ‘exposure’ approach. It helps decrease feelings of discomfort through gradual (and practiced) exposure to certain objects and situations.
Conquering panic might seem overwhelming at first but it’s not entirely impossible. Anxiety attacks can be treated in more ways possible now than ever before. The important thing is to recognize your symptoms early and get adequate professional help before it’s too late.