Suffering a panic attack is a horrible, frightening experience. Out of nowhere you start to shake and sweat, your heart starts to pound and then all of a sudden you feel as though you are unable to breathe. It feels as if you are experiencing a heart attack and you are unable to speak. Often people undergoing a panic attack will have an overwhelming sense that something terrible is about to happen. The fact is, though, that panic attacks are not dangerous. And the good news is that there are a number of approaches to self help for panic attacks that are truly effective.
The first step is to clear up any misconceptions you may have about what panic attacks actually are. Essentially, they are a behavioral condition; there is no underlying physical cause for panic disorder, and it’s not a disease. Anxiety and panic have their roots in a small region in the brain, which is called the amygdala. For whatever reason, the amygdala re-sets itself to a higher anxiety response level, causing it to react to certain events and situations in a way that is completely out of proportion to the actual level of threat. Researchers have established that the amygdala is the key to controlling anxiety disorders.
A highly recommended approach to eliminate panic attacks is The Linden Method. This easy to follow self help program addresses the root cause of panic attacks, anxiety and phobias directly, targeting the inappropriate behavior of the amygdala. This program enjoys a 96% success rate among over 130,000 people who have followed it, often in only a few days. The methods it uses are endorsed by The National Institute of Mental Health and mental health professionals everywhere. You can learn more about this remarkably effective program at the Linden Method website.
If you suffer from panic attacks, it’s important that you realize that you are not alone. Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million Americans each year. There are countless books on how to help panic attacks that you can find in stores and online. Reading these books will help you to realize that it is not an embarrassment to experience these attacks, for most victims think that it is something that they should be able to control. Of course, the condition can be controlled through techniques like The Linden Method, but not when you’re in the middle of an attack.
There are also online resources that offer guidance and support for those who are seeking to help cure themselves of panic attacks. There are forums, chat rooms and focus groups where those who suffer from these attacks can share their experiences and successes, for example PanicSurvivor.com. There is a great deal of value in talking about your problem, because when you do so, it helps to reduce your anxiety levels, which is a major contributor to panic attacks.
In addition to behavioral changes to re-set your amygdala, it’s important to practice breathing exercises to stay calm and relaxed. Exercise and diet are also an important component of self help for panic attacks, as they are known to decrease anxiety and increase self esteem.
Why settle for managing panic attacks when you can cure them? Visit the Linden Center For Anxiety, Panic Attacks, OCD & Phobias
Related Reading
