A panic attack is an abrupt sudden intense episode of extreme fear which causes serious physical reactions even when there isn’t any obvious cause or threat. Panic attacks, though, can be highly frightening. Some people have multiple panic attacks in their lives, and they go away after a while, perhaps when a certain stressful situation resolves itself. Or maybe they occur almost daily, even if there’s no threat.
In some cases, people who suffer from panic attacks also experience feelings of chest pain. They think they’re having a heart attack. Chest pains are often confused with anxiety or excessive breathing. Because the sensations are so unpleasant, it’s easy to misidentify them as such, and people start breathing faster and deeper, thinking that’s what’s wrong.
Research has shown that one of the most common causes of panic attacks is stress and depression. Caffeine consumption can actually worsen symptoms of depression in some people, because it stimulates the brain’s levels of chemicals such as serotonin. Caffeine acts like an antidepressant. As an antioxidant, it helps to improve the mood in people suffering from depression and fatigue. For this reason, caffeine can also help protect people who suffer from bipolar disorder and other mental health disorders from depression.
If you or someone you love is suffering from panic disorder and/or depression, then you should definitely give caffeine a try. After all, you don’t need another chemical altering your body chemistry to bring you some relief. Instead of reaching for that pack of caffeine-free energy drinks every time you feel a little stressed, give some of those coffee grounds a try, too.
There are several ways to counter anxiety attacks. One of the most popular methods of treating anxiety attacks and panic disorder is to make some simple lifestyle changes. For example, if you’re constantly worried about making it to work on time, try taking a short walk before you leave. You can also cut down on your daily caffeine consumption by reducing consumption of coffee and soda, as well as adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet. Changing your daily habits can be a very effective way of treating your anxiety attacks and panic disorder.
In addition to making some lifestyle changes, you may want to consider taking medication. In some cases, medications can help to treat symptoms of panic attacks and anxiety disorder. Doctors often prescribe anti-anxiety drugs for patients who suffer from this type of disorder. However, medication does have its drawbacks: Side effects and withdrawal symptoms can make stopping medication much more difficult, and it can also cause physical dependency.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another way to treat anxiety and panic attacks. This treatment involves reorienting the way you think about certain situations and thoughts that trigger your anxiety in certain situations. It doesn’t cure your anxiety or panic attacks, but it can help to reduce the frequency of them. Your therapist will teach you how to recognize certain situations or thoughts that can make you feel threatened and then replace these negative feelings with more positive ones.
If you find it too difficult to change your behaviors or to completely cure your panic attacks and anxiety disorder, you may want to try natural remedies or alternative treatments such as herbs, meditation, hypnosis, or acupuncture. These treatments don’t treat your disorder by curing it, but by addressing the underlying issues that may cause your symptoms. In many cases, treating your disorder with a combination of therapy and medications can help you get rid of your panic attacks and other symptoms for good. Of course, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before trying any holistic or alternative treatments for anxiety disorders. Your doctor can give you a proper diagnosis of your disorder and recommend the best course of treatment for your specific needs.