Panic attacks, although common, can feel very frightening. Affecting 1 in 10 people in the UK, panic attacks are a cause of distress for many, leaving us feeling scared to put ourselves in certain situations and affecting our ability to live our lives normally.
Acupuncture may offer a reduction in symptoms and we have had some great results in Clinic.
Here is what Sally reported on her acupuncture treatment.
For the past ten years or so I have experienced infrequent panic attacks, perhaps a couple of times a year when I was away from home or in confined spaces. However, one never did follow another and so as a consequence they were easy to forget and recover from. The situation changed when I was about three months pregnant. I started to experience frequent panic attacks at home and in public places and to be honest I thought I was losing my mind. I spoke to my GP but she was unable to help or prescribe any medication as I was pregnant. I felt desperate until I spoke to Caitlin.
Her calm, professional and expert approach immediately made me feel as though I could get back to ‘normal’ . She said she was fairly confident acupuncture may make a difference. This was a lifeline to me and within five or six sessions my panic attacks ceased and my anxiety levels decreased significantly. I am grateful that I did not compromise my pregnancy by taking any prescribed medication.
The acupuncture was pain free, relaxing and most importantly it worked.
Alternatively try some coping strategies yourself, suggested here by Amy Taylor.
If you tend to panic during stressful situations, you might find the following tips useful:
Disengage. If you let yourself succumb to that stressful situation, the more you will panic. The brain, during a panic attack, is like a kid throwing tantrums. Give in and it wins. Blow it off and it may forget about what it’s so upset about. Research published in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests that the more the brain tries to suppress negative emotions, the more active the amygdala becomes – the part which feeds negative messages throughout the brain.
Break it down. If the problem at hand is making you panic and feel overwhelmed, break it down to smaller pieces that can be addressed and managed. Tell yourself “You can do it!” even if your inner critical voice is saying you can’t.
Breathe, breathe and breathe. During a panic attack, simple breathing and relaxation techniques can help you be more in control. Practising proper breathing exercises at least twice a day can make your panic attacks less frequent and easier to conquer.
Walk away. During a panic attack, it may seem like there’s no emergency tool that can help you calm down. But sometimes, the most basic activities, such as walking, can take your mind off from anxiety. Go out and take a short walk. Light aerobic exercises can also trigger your brain to produce endorphins – the feel-good chemicals that improve your mood.
Confront your fear. Make a journal of your panic attacks – record your thoughts, symptoms, worries and the emotions you experience. When you are feeling better, go back and re-read your entry. This will help you identify your panic triggers and prepare you for another attack.
Talk to a therapist. A good therapist can help you get to the roots of the problem and devise a strategy to resolve it. You may also consider joining a support group. Group meetings can give you further insights into your situation because you get the chance to hear how other people cope with panic attacks.
Effectively dealing with panic attacks is a skill that you just can’t develop overnight. It takes time and practise to apply these techniques and other strategies to cope with panic attacks but it is definitely worth the effort. Once you start to learn about panic and stand up to it, life will become easier.