Anxiety is a generalized mood condition that occurs without a particular triggering stimulus. In that sense, it is distinguished from fear, which occurs in the presence of a perceived threat.
Another view is that anxiety is a “future-oriented mood state in which the experiencer is poised to cope with imminent negative events” suggesting that it is a distinction between future vs. present threats that divides anxiety and fear.
It is marked with an intensification of physical reactions that prepare the organism to deal with the danger. Blood pressure and heart rate are increased, sweating is increased, blood flow to the major muscle groups is increased, and digestive and immune system functions are inhibited (the fight or flight response).
Attacks of anxiety do not only consist of physical signs. There are many emotional symptoms involved as well. Those are not limited to: “Feelings of dread or apprehension, trouble concentrating, feeling tense or jumpy, anticipating the worst, restlessness, irritability, watching (and waiting) for occurrences (and signs) or danger, and, feeling like your mind has gone blank.” There is also, “nightmares/bad dreams, obsessions about sensations, a ‘trapped in your mind’ feeling, deja vu, and an overall impression like everything is scary.”
While there are many techniques to stop panic attacks, the most effective ones are offered below and include discovering the method that best works for you for calming your body down.
Daily working out not only helps keep you in shape, but it also provides an outlet in which to discharge much of your pent up anxiety and stress. Devoting at least an hour a day to some form of exercise, whether it be cardio or simple walking around the block can do wonders for your tension and help to restore your calmness in the long run.
Discovering a relaxation technique that will calm your breathing and force you to settle down can be a key ingredient in controlling the worst part of a panic attack. Enrollment in a yoga class, which can teach you various meditation and breathing techniques can go a long way in preventing future attacks.
Believing that alcohol or other mood-altering drugs can relax you is an illusion as they will worsen your anxiety in the long run and intensify its symptoms.
If none of these other steps work in controlling your panic symptoms, then you might want to talk with your doctor about medication alternatives. There are many different prescription drugs that can help reduce your anxiety while you learn new. While it is not good to become needy on this type of medication, if you need immediate help in calming yourself after an attack, this seems to be the wisest choice.
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