Anxiety Attack
If you have ever experienced an anxiety attack, you will never forget the feelings you experienced. You had never felt like this before, a total loss of control. Treating anxiety can be difficult, but it can be done. It is important to persevere so you can regain control
The Prevalence of Anxiety Attacks
It should comfort you to know that you are not alone. Anxiety attacks have increased tremendously in the last decade. Over 1,200,000 Americans suffer from severe anxiety attacks. Treating anxiety has to be made a priority among health professional in the United States or those statistics will continue to rise.
Symptoms
The symptom of the attacks must be discussed before you can begin treating anxiety. Overwhelming fear, a feeling of impending dooms, perspiring, difficulty breathing and dizziness are the most common symptoms. An additional symptom is a rapid heartbeat. Sometimes you can have a rapid heartbeat and confuse that with a heart attack. Seek professional help to determine your condition your illness in that scenario. The most pervasive symptom of an anxiety attack is the feeling of being out of control.
Causes of Anxiety Attacks
Research has shown that there are four causes of anxiety attacks. In order to begin treating anxiety, it must first be identified. The first cause of anxiety attacks is hormonal or chemical imbalances. The second cause is associated with alcohol or drug abuse. Stress is the third cause of these attacks. Fourthly, anxiety attacks can be precipitated by traumatic incidents in your life; these can be past or present incidents. Treating anxiety is based on the cause.
Triggers of Anxiety Attacks
The triggers (or what starts the attack) can vary. Sometimes, you find that certain activities will suddenly cause the attack. Some examples can include flying on an airplane or places where crowds gather such as sporting events or malls. A subsequent problem when treating anxiety is that one an anxiety attack occurs, the thought of having another attack becomes one of the triggers.
How to Deal with Anxiety Attacks
The best approach in treating anxiety is to receive therapy from a licensed behavioral therapist. You can ask your medical doctor for a referral to a specialist in your area. Your therapist will teach you how to change your behavior from an overall negative outlook on life to a positive outlook. Your therapist will discuss the causes of your anxiety.
Another approach in treating anxiety that only your therapist should supervise involves exposing you to the fear that caused the anxiety in the first place. Your therapist will help to desensitize you towards the fear. A combination of therapy and medication is used when treating anxiety.
Additional Tips
While the best method for treating anxiety is therapy, there are suggested tips for when you begin to feel anxious. When you can tell that you are having an attack, stay calm and find a quiet place to calm down. Reassure yourself that this is only temporary and will pass. This allows you to have control back.
Will Lee
Physician Network Writer
