Panic attacks often strikes when you least expect it to happen. According to studies, a lot of people start to experience episodes of panic attacks starting the age of 15 to 25. A lot of people suffer symptoms of this disorder throughout their lifetimes. However, the good news is that most of those who are suffering from panic attack recover from this disorder and are able to lead a normal life.
If you live with somebody who is suffering from panic attacks at night, you should learn to deal with the situation and help that person come to terms with his or her fears. Always remember that with proper support people who often suffer panic attacks at night can recover from their ailments.
Panic attacks at night often happen when the person is asleep or just about to fall asleep. Since panic attacks at night often occur without warning, when the person is really in no real danger of anything, you should always be prepared to recognize the first signs of panic attacks.
Some of the common symptoms of panic attack at night are shortness of breath, chest pain, choking feeling, fainting, sweating, hot flashes, trembling or shaking, abdominal distress, nausea, numbness, racing heart or palpitations and others. Since these signs and symptoms are often associated with other types of ailments, you should make sure that your friend or family member is not suffering from a more serious ailment.
To do this, you need to observe the closely. Make sure that at least four of the signs and symptoms described above are present before you conclude that your friend or family member is merely suffering from a panic attack. However, if the person has no history of panic attacks, call the ambulance.
When a friend or family member suffers panic attack at night, it can be really frustrating. Remember that your friend or family member is not really in the mortal danger they think they are in. Try to stay calm. If your friend or family member is taking medications for panic attacks, give him or her medication when appropriate. Be considerate and never force your friend or family member to directly confront his or her fears. And make sure your friend or family member is under a doctor's care for panic attacks.
It is best to very considerate towards anyone suffering from this condition. When the person recovers the help rendered will be highly appreciated.
Panic Attacks At Night
Panic attacks can be quite intense; one can easily manage it with certain first aid techniques. These first aid techniques are very simple.
First it is very important to know that these feelings are not harmful.
Panic attack starts suddenly and involved a great sense of fear. This lasts for about 30 minutes. It actually ranges between 5 and 30 minutes. There may be traces of phobias present in these attacks.
Here are some simple yet very effective first aid solutions for manage panic attacks:
a)Stay relaxed and do not worry
You need to believe that however, pathetic the feeling may be, it will not last long. Panic attacks never result in heart attacks. The feeling is going to get over soon.
b)Breathing
Try breathing in to a paper bag. It really works wonder. You may also cup your hands over the nose and mouth and then breathe in and out. Do not focus on long deep breaths. Just go for slower breathes. You need to do this until the discomfort fades away.
This helps because when people breathe rapidly, they give out maximum amount of carbon dioxide. It can make the situation worse. Breathing inside a bag put the carbon dioxide and oxygen level, in the blood in balanced form.
c)Accept
Another way is to accept the feeling you have at the moment. Facing the reality would minimize this intensity.
d)Know the symptoms
Knowing the symptoms will create less panic. You will understand what's going on and would not panic further.
e)Distract yourself
When suffering from an attack, try to distract yourself with some good thoughts or tasks that may help you. Think about good memories, listen to your favorite music or watch a movie.
f)Muscle exercise
Try to tense your muscles and then let go gently. This will work towards relaxing your body.
g)Relaxation techniques
You can use relaxation or CD's on a regular basis. This will provide you a lot of relief even at the time of attack.
h)Talk to a friend
Talk to someone who is close to you. Let him know your problem. This will relax you and help you a lot.
i)Take it easy
You need to relax. Keep your cool and know that the phase is surely going to pass soon.
j)Speak to your doctor
Make sure that you take help of your doctor or the therapist if you want to get rid of this disease.
Following all the tips present in this article will definitely help you to overcome the serious effect of a panic attacks. All these tips are great.
Both Raymond Nwambuonwo & Bertil Hjert are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.