There are a few things as stressful as feeling all panicked without an apparent reason. We all panic sometimes when there’s a cause for concern. But when you feel scared to the point it becomes difficult to breathe; it may indicate that you need help—especially when it’s hard for you to point to a source that’s causing you to feel that way.
Do you feel like this applies to you? If yes, you’re not alone. Around 2 to 3% of Americans experience a condition called panic disorder. If you have the condition, you may know what it’s like to experience a panic attack. The symptoms are hard to miss because of how intensely they can rattle you up.
You may feel very scared and like you’re not in control, have trouble breathing or even feel your chest tightening up while your heart beats intensely. What’s more, people who get a panic attack might come to dread experiencing it another time. So not only do you suffer from the episodes, but you may also spend a lot of time thinking about them, scared for the next time the symptoms will creep up on you without warning. Here’s how you can cope with panic disorder.
Coping with Panic Disorder
If you have the condition, it may be keeping you from living your life to the fullest. You may have a hard time keeping up with your homework or chores or might even feel distanced from your friends and family at times because they just don’t seem to understand the condition.
But the good news is that your panic disorder is easily manageable. With a little help and treatment, you’ll feel more in control of your symptoms in no time. If you’d like to look up some self-help strategies before talking to a mental health professional, try out a few things.
Do Some Research
A part of feeling all panicked comes from the fact that you understand little about what’s going on. But when you do some homework and figure that out, you are in a better position to tell yourself that you’re in control. Looking up information about what panic disorder is and what its symptoms can feel like for different people will help. Though it may feel terrifying, a panic attack is essentially harmless. When you tell yourself this, you’ll have an easier time dealing with your condition.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
When people are panicked, they tend to breathe faster, causing them to feel dizzy. If something like that happens to you, try learning some relaxation techniques beforehand, so you’re in control of your breathing the next time you have a panic attack. Examples of such techniques are calm breathing, deep muscle relaxation, and guided imagery.
Self-Care
You don’t have to spend all your energy managing your panic disorder symptoms. Leading a generally healthy, low-stress lifestyle will help you avoid feeling unnecessarily anxious. Make sure to always get enough rest, spend time with your loved ones, indulge in your hobbies and passions, and attend your fitness/yoga/meditation or other classes that help calm your mind.
Do you feel more prepared to talk to a mental health professional? If yes, connect with FastDocNow to book an appointment. Our virtual doctors specialize in quick and streamlined healthcare services at incredibly cost-effective rates.
Talk to an online healthcare provider from the comfort of your home about your panic disorder with us easily.