Panic attack is one unpredictable condition. An individual who is aware of his or her condition does not necessarily know when an attack is coming. I myself have been a victim of this surprising condition. Hence, it is very important for me, as a sufferer, to be geared with the best treatment to help me fight my panic attacks.
I have been panic attack free for some years now. However, I still have some of the tools I need that would be an instant relief for my attack. I never leave the house without a brown paper bag. This humble bag has been a huge help whenever I have my attack. I simply open the bag and breathe through it. After a while, my panic subsides.
Even though the mechanics seem so easy, there is actually a proper way to do the brown paper bag technique. There is no required size for the bag. However, I find it more ideal to use a medium-sized bag. I cover my mouth and nose with the bag’s opened end and breath through it. I inhale with my nose and exhale with my mouth. I do that for six counts and repeat the cycle.
This technique works because it controls the amount of oxygen I absorb. It is the lack in carbon dioxide, and the increase in oxygen absorption of the body that causes hyperventilation during panic attack. To balance this, the paper bag stops the carbon dioxide you exhale by diffusing into the air, and it helps you stop inhaling more oxygen.
Another quick fix that helps me with my panic attack is an old inhale and exhale tactic. I simply inhale for four counts, hold my breath for seven counts, and exhale for eight counts. I do this for six consecutive cycles, and see if my symptoms have subsided. If you are not comfortable with the brown paper bag, you may opt to use this instead. It is effective too.
Those two are the quick tactics that helps me overcome breathing problems during an attack. I know that you can also experience dizziness, nausea, and palpitation. All of these other symptoms can subside once you have normalized your breathing. In my case, controlling my breathing has always been the effective first approach to my anxiety.
Once my breathing is already on a normal rate, I tend to divert my attention. I watch some good show on television, listen to my favorite music, or read an interesting book. These are some techniques that allow me not to think about my attack. I have noticed that the more I think about my condition, the more I feel tensed, and my symptoms tend to increase in intensity. Therefore, I learned how to avoid this decision by diverting my focus.
Another treatment that I found concerns my diet. I used to consume a lot of caffeine before. My cups of good coffee use to give me an awesome amount of unnecessary energy. I gradually altered my drinking ways by consuming fresh juices and tea which have lesser caffeine. I have also reduced my sweets. Sugar is another provider of energy that I would not be using. My condition improved since I made these changes.
There are certain changes that I have to adopt and sufferings that I have to do. I no longer go on a caffeine binge, or luxuriate with foods that have high sugar content. Also, I exercise regularly. This helped me improve my breathing. You see, do not feel worried about your attack. You simply have to observe the treatments that helped me fight my panic attacks.