Unfortunately, many people today know what a panic attack is. For the first time such an episode always happens unexpectedly, patients often say that "like thunder from a clear sky." Against the background of seemingly complete physical well-being, a person suddenly begins to feel intense fear, anxiety, literally panic. The first symptom, as a rule, is a rapid heartbeat. At this moment, a person may be in a fainting state, feel dizzy and lack of air. There may be trembling in the arms and legs, increased sweating, abdominal pain and discomfort in the chest, a feeling of unreality and complete loss. At the same time, sharp weakness often occurs, it seems that the legs literally give way.
But the main thing that does not give rest during an attack is panic fear, as a rule, the fear of dying or going crazy. Due to their emotionality and physiological characteristics, women are more susceptible to such attacks, although they do not bypass men either. Experts believe that today in Russia, approximately 8 million women are aware firsthand what a panic attack is.
The first episode can happen in a vehicle or in a crowd, but just on the street or during an emotional upheaval. It lasts from several minutes to half an hour and passes without a trace. But then the person begins to fear a repetition of the attack, listen to himself and wait for it. In full confidence that he has serious heart problems and, in general, with health, he begins to visit doctors. However, narrow specialists do not find anything. If the attacks recur, over time, people try to avoid those situations and places that usually provoke them, thereby limiting their lives.
A person who has experienced from his own experience what a panic attack is may eventually develop agoraphobia - a fear of crowded places and open spaces. As a result, he is afraid to be away from home, to go out on his own, experiencing constant tension. As a result of isolated episodes, panic disorder may develop when seizures occur several times a week.
The main reason for the appearance of attacks, experts consider stress. Moreover, the first attack can occur even when, it would seem, a person has independently dealt with it, and even months or years after an emotional shock.
How to deal with panic attacks
In order to successfully cope with such a disorder, you should understand what a panic attack is. This is the usual protective reaction of the body to a threatening situation, if any. In this case, adrenaline is released into the blood, it then increases the rhythm of heart contractions. Experts say that a panic attack in no way poses a threat to human life. Moreover, modern medicine successfully treats such disorders.
The most important thing is to understand: no matter how scary it is, nothing will happen - you will not die, you will not lose your mind, the attack is not dangerous. Panic attacks cease to bother when it comes to understanding that they are not threatening their lives, and when a person learns to quickly stop them on their own.
Of course, the first thing to do is visit a therapist. There are methods of medical treatment of such a pathology. Modern antidepressants and tranquilizers have a minimum of side effects and are very effective. The doctor will also help you choose the drugs that will stop the attack, if it occurs.
Great help can be given by a psychologist. Sometimes, having got to the bottom of the true cause of crises, you can get rid of them forever. And modern psychological centers offer many methods that quickly eliminate the disorder. This is behavioral therapy, and hypnosis, and group sessions, meditation, learning the technique of relaxation.
In addition, it is important to learn how to deal with seizures on your own. Learn relaxation techniques, techniques to distract from the sensations. Special breathing helps many. For example, during a crisis, take a slow breath and exhale much longer, or breathe in a paper bag.
Panic attacks: treatment with folk remedies
Effective help is also provided by the long-term use of drug collections. Pour one and a half glasses of boiling water 2 teaspoons of dried oregano grass. The broth is insisted for 10 minutes, filtered and drunk 150 ml before meals four times a day. Baths with this grass are also useful: 100 g of raw material is poured with boiling water (2 l), insisted for at least 2 hours. Take a bath every other day.
Well helps infusion of calendula and blackberry leaves. A collection tablespoon is poured with boiling water (3 tbsp.), An hour is insisted, taken in the same way as oregano broth. A decoction of viburnum bark (10 g per 1.5 cup boiling water) is taken in a tablespoon three times a day. Effective and tincture of motherwort as a sedative, as well as cold infusion of clover (2 teaspoons of fresh raw materials per half liter of water, insist for at least 4 hours). There are many recipes, however, it is better to discuss their use with your doctor.
Try to give up coffee and nicotine, adhere to the daily regimen, rest on time. And know, you can get rid of panic attacks.