Anxiety attacks are different from panic attacks! Here are 7 tips to cope with them

Anxiety is a very common psychological disorder that mainly occurs in our body as a response to a perceived threat or danger. So, it is a normal reaction to stressful situations, and can help us stay vigilant and focused. However, when anxiety becomes extremely overwhelming, it can turn into an anxiety attack, a sudden and intense episode of fear, panic and discomfort. When someone worries that something bad is going to happen, it can lead to this situation. It typically refers to a fear or worry regarding a specific problem or concern. It can be a frightening experience, and so it is important to know how to stop anxiety attacks.

The hormone responsible for the fight-or-flight response is adrenaline. This hormone’s quick release primes the body to run away from danger or to confront the danger physically. When a fear trigger passes, adrenaline levels quickly return to normal under normal circumstances. However, new issues may develop if anxiety continues and adrenaline levels stay high.

Tips to manage anxiety attacks

Here are 7 tips on what a person can do to stop anxiety attacks:

1. Recognize the symptoms

The first step to manage an anxiety attack is to understand the symptoms. Anxiety attacks can cause physical and emotional symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feeling of impending sadness or doom, and fear of losing control.

2. Practice breathing and meditation techniques

Deep breathing is an extremely effective technique to calm your mind and body during an anxiety attack. Slowly inhaling through your nose, holding your breath for a few seconds, and then exhaling through your mouth can help you to stop feeling overwhelmed. Repeat this process several times until you feel more relaxed.

Also read: This is what an anxiety attack looks like

3. Use grounding techniques

Grounding techniques can help you stay in the present moment and reduce the intensity of the anxiety attack. Focus on your senses, for example, touch something with a different texture or smell a calming scent, describe it in detail, and focus on it.

4. Challenge your thoughts

During an anxiety attack, your thoughts can be irrational and negative. So it’s of utmost importance to know how to divert your mind and focus your attention on the positive things or doing things that make you feel happy. Challenge those thoughts by asking yourself if they are realistic or not. Identify the evidence that supports or refutes those thoughts, and try to find a more balanced perspective.

Also read: Similar but not the same: Here’s the difference between anxiety and panic attacks

5. Seek support

Never hesitate to ask for help or support. As humans, it’s essential to seek support from someone you trust when you’re having an anxiety attack. Talk to a friend, family member, or mental health professional who can provide reassurance and guidance.

6. Engage in relaxation activities

Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as taking a warm bath, practicing yoga, listening to calming music, or reading a book. These activities can help you relax and reduce the intensity of the anxiety attack. But you can also practice dancing or do a workout to divert your mind.

7. Practice self-care

Self-care is crucial to managing anxiety and preventing anxiety attacks. Take care of your physical and emotional health by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that you enjoy.

Takeaway

Anxiety attacks can be overwhelming but with proper management,
and by using the above-mentioned techniques, one can control anxiety attacks. Recognising the symptoms, practising breathing techniques, using grounding techniques, challenging your thoughts, seeking support, engaging in relaxation activities, and practising self-care can help you manage an anxiety attack and reduce its intensity. Remember that it’s okay to seek professional help if you’re struggling with anxiety or anxiety attacks.