Panic attacks can be absolutely terrifying. The first time I experienced one, I thought I was going to die — my heart rate elevated, I began to sweat, and I couldn't find the words to tell my partner what was happening. Then, within a few minutes, the more severe of the symptoms were gone, though I was left feeling depleted. I was completely terrified by the incident.
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How are panic attacks different from anxiety attacks?
First things first: It's important to note that though people often use the terms "panic attack" and "anxiety attack" interchangeably, they're actually different. "Panic attacks feel like heart attacks," Cooperman tells Allure. "You can experience racing heartbeat, pain, and you often feel like going to die. They're often as short as 30 seconds to just minutes, and then you're exhausted for rest of the day. If you're feeling overwhelmed and anxious for 20 minutes or more, that’s an anxiety attack. There’s a real difference." (Making this distinction isn't to diminish how awful anxiety attacks can feel — it's just to point out the difference in terminology.) Cooperman adds that though there are similarities between anxiety and panic attacks, panic attacks are more severe, depleting emotional (and often physical) reserves more and for a longer period of time.[post_ads_2]
What triggers panic attacks?
Cooperman says it can be hard for first-time sufferers to see a panic attack coming: You may feel fine right up until it hits, and then not understand what's going on. Then, because panic attacks can be so scary, people may be so terrified of experiencing another one this fear alone can cause another panic attack to happen. Cooperman suggests working with a therapists to identify your triggers. You can also keep a log of your panic attacks and see if there are any patterns that emerge: Do you tend to get panic attacks when you're under financial stress? When you're in crowds or at parties? The Mayo Clinic reports that it's not always known why a panic attack occurs, but it is possible to identify factors that might lead to yours.How are panic attacks treated?
Again, a therapist can help you both uncover underlying triggers and come up with a game plan for when an attack occurs. "Therapy can help the patient find the trigger, because it's often something underlying," she says. "If you know something is stressing you out, you can talk yourself through it in the moment. I do therapy with my patients and sometimes, it's quite surprising to find out what's upsetting them."[post_ads_2]
Panic attacks can be absolutely terrifying. The first time I experienced one, I thought I was going to die — my heart rate elevated, I began to sweat, and I couldn't find the words to tell my partner what was happening. Then, within a few minutes, the more severe of the symptoms were gone, though I was left feeling depleted. I was completely terrified by the incident.
It's not always clear what a panic attack is when you're experiencing it, and so I spoke with Susanne Cooperman, a neuropsychologist and psychoanalyst at NYU Langone Huntington Medical Group in Huntington Station, New York, about signs and triggers of panic attacks — as well as how to treat them.
Medication can also be helpful for panic attacks and panic disorder, both in the moment of a panic attack and for preventing them. Benzodiazepines, including Xanax and Ativan, can often work well in the moment of a panic attack; other medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and beta-blockers are prescribed to be taken every day as preventative treatment. Personally, I've found it helpful to tell friends, partners, and family members what I need in the moment of a panic attack: a glass of water, my medication, and reminders to take deep breaths.
[post_ads]Cooperman also stresses the importance of a daily calming practice for those who deal with panic attacks. "I have my patients start a daily practice of their choosing, like exercise, medication, meditation, prayer, or diaphragmatic breathing," she says. "Anything that trains the body to relax will help them to prepare for panic attacks."
If you become good enough at calming yourself down and knowing your triggers, you may be able to tell when a panic attack is coming and stop it from happening — though there's often only a slight indicator and you may only have a tiny head start. It's still worth trying, though! Figuring out your triggers, taking medication if you and your care provider decide it's the right move, and training your body to relax are all great ways to take control.
See more at: Allure
