Anxiety Attacks: 3 Things to Know About Them and How to Deal with It.
It happens when you least expect it.
Your mind starts wandering, ideas pop in and out of your head, and then you’re fixated on something bad happening.
That’s when those feelings set in.
You’re nauseous. Your heart is racing. And you can’t seem to stop shaking.
The sweat forming above your eyebrow isn’t doing you any favors. And it seems to be making you even more agitated.
Every breath you take feels like a struggle. You feel like a fish out of water.
Here are 3 things to know about anxiety attacks and how to deal with them.
1. What is an Anxiety Attack?
An anxiety attack is a gradual fear that is built up based on a perceived threat. Anxiety may have a specific trigger relating to a person, event, or place. When a person has anxiety, it is more likely that an anxiety attack will occur. The attack acts as a response to the feelings that the person has from their worries and fears.
2. The Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack
An anxiety attack can present itself with many signs and symptoms. Here are a few of the most common symptoms of an anxiety attack:
Feeling lightheaded
Headache
Irregular heartbeat
Nausea
Shortness of breath or quickened breathing
Stomach issues
Sweating
Restlessness
In addition to symptoms of anxiety attacks, there can be complications and other health problems if they’re left untreated. Ongoing stress can cause issues with how your body operates. Your digestive, immune, and reproductive systems could be affected, as well as your sleep schedule.
3. The Cause of Anxiety Attacks
Stress is usually the leading cause of an anxiety attack.
Some of the main events that can cause an anxiety attack are the following:
Career or job change
Climate change
Divorce
Finances
Health issues
Moving
Parenting struggles
Relationship problems
School
Work
Anxiety may also be connected to other health conditions like the following:
Caffeine use
Genetics
History of substance abuse
Medications
Phobia
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Trauma
How To Deal With an Anxiety Attack
There are a few things you can try out to help manage the stress and anxiety you may be facing.
Learn More About Anxiety
One of the best things you can do about your anxiety is to learn more about it. If you take the time to research and learn more about anxiety and anxiety attacks, you’ll be better prepared to recognize your own warning signs.
Start Journaling
Another great way to track your anxiety is to keep a journal. Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a journal can help you feel less anxious. It’s also a great tool to look back on later to figure out what may have been triggering or the ways that worked best to help you cope.
Be Healthy – Inside and Out
Fueling your body with healthy and balanced meals is a great way to feel good from the inside out, as well as making sure your body is running to the best of its ability. In addition to focusing on your meals, aim to get your body moving for at least 30 minutes every day. Exercise is proven to be a natural stress reducer.
Try Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing, yoga, or meditation are great ways to help calm you down. There are many different types of relaxation techniques out there, so you’ll have to try a few different ones out and see what works best for you.
Seek Additional Help
Anxiety is completely normal every now and then. If you notice your anxiety lasting for several weeks or months at a time, it’s best to reach out for help and support.
You’re not alone. Anxiety is very common, and reaching out for additional support doesn’t make you any less of a person. Reaching out for help when you need it most is one of the strongest and most courageous things you can do.
If you’re interested in learning more about therapy for anxiety attacks, reach out to us today to set up a consultation for anxiety therapy. You can make an appointment at: http://www.orlandparkcounselors.com/appointment