Is it possible to stop panic attacks without using medications? Of course it is -- many individuals have been cured of panic attacks without resorting to using (sometimes addictive) prescription drugs. There are several different methods to stop panic attacks naturally, and in this article will take a look at if you of the most popular and effective of these.
1. Changing Your Diet. Many people -- including doctors -- often overlook the importance of diet as a contributing factor to panic attacks. There has been an enormous amount of research showing that unknown food allergies often produce anxiety symptoms, and in some cases an individual can stop panic attacks by simply a limb and aiding the offending food.
One of the most common unrecognized food allergies is dairy products. It is well known that many people are lactose intolerant; it is also a fact that lots of people unknowingly have milk and dairy allergies. A simple way to check for a dairy allergy is to refrain from drinking milk or eating dairy products for at least two weeks, and noticed the effect this has on both your body and your state of mind.
It is also important to drink plenty of water every day and eat a balanced diet including plenty of green vegetables and fruits. It has been documented that a deficiency in the complex vitamins can contribute to panic attacks, so it is important to eat foods rich in vitamins B1, B6 and B12. Magnesium deficiency has also been linked to a variety of anxiety-related problems, including panic attacks, so you'll want to be sure you're getting plenty in your diet. Taking a daily supplement is helpful for many people to ensure they receive proper nutrition.
2. The Importance of Sleep. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can cause panic attacks. Insomnia is a serious problem for many people, and unfortunately, the medical community usually attempts to shriek this problem with the use of questionable drugs, which can have unpleasant or even dangerous side effects, as well as being addictive.
A better cure for insomnia is to use natural supplements such as melatonin, and be sure to get plenty of exercise. Vigorous exercise has been shown to encourage restful sleep, and even a brisk walk in the afternoon can be sufficient to help you sleep better at night. Getting proper rest and exercise can sometimes stop panic attacks, without the need for further treatment.
3. Relaxation Techniques. Relaxing exercises that promote proper breathing had been shown to stop panic attacks and anxiety. Yoga is particularly beneficial to panic attack sufferers, as it encourages mindfulness and proper breathing. Tai chi is another eastern practice that has become very popular in the West. Like yoga, tai chi focuses on proper breathing and helps to reduce tension in the body and the build up of stress.
4. Avoiding Stimulants. Caffeine and nicotine are both stimulants, and can lead to insomnia, rapid heart beat and anxiety problems. Cutting out caffeinated coffee and fizzy soft drinks will help the body to relax and naturally. And although many people try to calm their nerves by drinking alcohol, research shows that excessive alcohol consumption increases the risks of panic attacks, generalized anxiety and depression.
You can stop panic attacks by making simple lifestyle changes -- and better choices. Become mindful of your diet and avoid stimulants that may make it harder to sleep at night. By using several of these methods simultaneously, many people manage to stop panic attacks without resorting to prescription drugs.
Selecting a treatment is a doctors recommendation for the therapy regimen. In severe cases, therapy and medications are combined to get the best results. For infrequent attacks, one can try self-treatment but are usually not proven to work depending on ones capacity and discipline. If after a few internal self therapy sessions, one is still not panic free, then trying another method is usually beneficial.
It is known that most stringer medications give out a faster effect compared to behavioral therapies. The known disadvantages however include side effects and the return of panic attacks after the medication is terminated. In behavioral therapy, panic attacks rarely occur after full treatment and if they do, they are often less than with medication. There is also no risk of side effects. Known disadvantages include slow response to treatment in some individuals. They may also be expensive and time-consuming. Some people also are aware of the stigma attached to therapies especially in social circles.
For some people a CBT or cognitive-behavioral therapy is actually fun as they are allowed to relate with other people suffering from the same condition and are able to recognize the different patterns of a panic attack. Psychologically, the mind does its own effort to overcome a problem when it sees one from another persons point of view. This is more applicable to persons in the beginning stages of panic attack syndromes.
Therapists try very hard to develop confidence in their patience and point out where work is needed. They are also there to aid patients which is ultimately better as psychological assistance is provided. Freely talking about a problem also relieves tension and in a way helps alleviate patterns of disruptions in panic attacks.
For fast relief of panic attacks, some people prefer medications compared to therapies which promotes a longer effect in the treatment of panic attacks. Medication may be prescribed by doctors who, through the lack of other options and knowledge of non-chemical substance treatments believe that panic attacks or anxiety are chemical conditions that a magic pill can alleviate. Sometimes in desperation, and in some cases where anxiety can still be controlled, medications may aid but soon after its effects wear off, the risks of succumbing to another attach is very much anticipated. Other panic attacks brought about by agoraphobia and dependence require more than just plain medications in its treatment.
Studying the patient before prescribing the medications is very important. Knowing the occurrence of attacks, its frequency and its strengths is vital prior to medical prescription. Other psychologists and psychiatrists would require their patients to rely on therapy and use medications for a certain period of time to allow the body and the mind to treat itself after a period of normalcy provided by the meds in the intervals between attacks.
Common medications include antidepressants to treat the panic disorder which is effective and totally eliminates panic with little or no side effects. However, antidepressants are quite slow-acting and cannot be taken in large doses all at once. Sometimes, by the time the antidepressant effects are fully generated in the body, non-invasive therapy through counseling may have already taken effect and decreased panic attacks through the brains own adjustment with little therapy.
Valium group or benzodiazepines are fast-acting within the first hour of the first dose. The side-effect is it potential to promote addiction as the body gets used to the medication. Usually, continuous usage after a period of 2-3 weeks results to drug tolerance. Some doctors would offer benzodiazepines for a few weeks while you're trying to find an effective therapist. As soon as they are tapered off, the doctor assumes that one should be no worse when you stop than when you started. Some individuals can take medications for a few months, then stop, and remain free from panic attacks. Ideally, medications are discontinued after a specific goal is attained.
Both Jon Mercer & David Smith 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.
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