Dealing with a panic disorder and the symptoms that develop during an attack is very difficult and frightening for people. Because even occasional or mild attacks are so disturbing to both body and mind, it is important that the disorder be confirmed and proper medical treatment be provided. From a medical perspective, doctors recommend different forms of therapy, such as cognitive and behavioral, as well as antidepressant, anti convulsive, and sleep medication.
However, people that live with a panic disorder need to know they also have options for controlling and even preventing attacks of this type. In this article, we provide tips on how to stop a panic attack before it gets so bad that the individual has lost complete control.
Recognize the Onset of Symptoms – The first tip on how to stop a panic attack is about taking preventative measures. After a person has a firm diagnosis of a panic disorder and knows all the associated symptoms, he or she can then recognize an attacking coming. Immediately, this person should take inventory of the situation or environment triggering the attack and make appropriate changes. For instance, if someone has panic attacks because they fear crowds, if symptoms begin, that person should look around to see if a large group of people were around and if so, moving to a quieter location would help stop the attack.
Coping Techniques– Our second tip for how to stop a panic attack deals with coping techniques available to use. A great example would be the person that has sudden attacks. In this case, the doctor could prescribe something such as Clonazepam, which is a fast-acting anxiety medication. Tablets are simply placed beneath the tongue and within minutes, symptoms fade. Cope techniques could also be using music with earphones to block out sound or other triggers.
Stimulation – Another tip for how to stop a panic attack has to do with avoiding anything stimulating. Because a person’s level of stress and nervousness is already peaked, anything that would enhance those senses should be avoided, which would include foods and drinks containing caffeine, chocolate activity, noise, etc.
Visualization and Breathing Methods – Another tip on how to stop a panic attack is to use tools such as visualization or deep breathing. No matter the location of the person or the trigger producing the attack, he/she could find a place to sit off to the side and go through visualization and deep breathing methods that have proven to be highly successful.
Support System – Often, being surrounded by family members and friends is enough to calm a situation. Therefore, if possible, the individual should get loved ones close so the attack and fear of attack could be talked through and stopped before taking hold.
Journaling– The final tip on how to stop a panic attack is with journaling. Often, therapies address the value that journaling offers to people with panic disorders. For many people suffering from stress and anxiety, being able to put emotions and feelings down on paper allows them to go back and read their words so the situation can be rationalized.