Anxiety Attacks: What Causes Them and How To Reduce Your Chances of Having One?
Filed Under Anxiety Treatment, Natural Anxiety Cures, Panic Attacks |
It is 4:30 a.m. You have awoken suddenly from a nightmare; however, it wasn’t a nightmare. The sudden pain in your chest that pulsates throughout your body, the drops of sweat dripping from your brow, the dizziness—the symptoms are all too real. You may feel as though you are, quite literally, having a heart attack. Yet, you know better. It’s another panic attack. While many of us occasionally fret over life’s challenges, those who suffer panic attacks experience more than episodic stress; rather, a profound sense of fear and pending doom. The stress takes a physical toll on them, thus inducing a panic attack.
So, what causes a panic attack? While the exact causes of panic attacks (or, anxiety attacks) is relatively unknown, especially since fear and panic are natural emotions exhibited by human beings in times of stress or even danger. It is understood, however, that panic attacks are the result of a malfunction in an individual’s natural response to stress. Again, panic is natural. Yet, individuals suffering from panic attack disorder must learn to determine what triggered their response so as to better cope with reducing the frequency of attacks. For instance, if you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night worrying about your debts, or having difficulty falling asleep the night before an exam, you can logically ascertain that those are triggers. As such, you can begin learning effective coping mechanisms. In some instances, panic attacks are the result of natural causes (and not simply external stress of life events). For instance, asthma, diabetes, thyroid disorders, epilepsy, adrenal disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or acute respiratory distress syndrome can induce panic attacks, or even increase one’s likeliness for panic attacks. Additionally, if one is particularly prone to panic attacks, they may find it helpful to consult a therapist to determine whether or not the frequency is representative of a possible mood disorder such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress (PTSD), or major depression. In doing so, effective natural anxiety cures can be identified.
Speaking of treating anxiety attacks, treatment is usually based on both frequency and severity. Common anxiety treatments include the following:
- Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, controlled breathing, and guided imagery may help reduce anxiety.
- Biofeedback. Using sensors that measure physiological arousal brought on by anxiety (such as changes in heart rate and muscle tension), biofeedback teaches you to recognize and control these body processes.
- Hypnotherapy. Hypnosis for anxiety is conducted by a clinical hypnotherapist who works with you using different therapeutic techniques while you’re in a state of deep relaxation.
- Acupuncture. An ancient tradition in popular Chinese medicine, acupuncture may also help reduce anxiety.
Furthermore, natural remedies for panic attacks include valerian root and kava. Remember, panic attacks are a very real disorder. Yet, you do not have to live with the pain of anxiety. Panic attacks are treatable.
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Best Anxiety/Panic Attack Treatments
