Learning How To Stop A Panic Attack

If learning how to stop a panic attack were an easy process, then chances are that nobody would have more than one or two in their lifetime. The truth is that some people never learn how to stop a panic attack because they can do not take the time to figure out what triggers them in the first place. The problem is that all of us are unique and we all have different life experiences. Therefore we are inclined to react differently to any given situation. Something that triggers a panic attack in one individual may have no effect on another, and vice versa.

Find The Trigger

A good psychotherapist can help you learn how to stop a panic attack by helping you determine what actually causes them and training you to react differently to the cause. Unfortunately, not everybody can afford to pay a psychotherapist on a regular basis. The good news is that, with a little tenacity, you can actually learn how to stop a panic attack by yourself.

The first step in learning how to stop a panic attack is to think back on previous occasions when you have had one. You need to figure out where you were, what you were doing and what you were thinking and feeling right before you had the attack. Hopefully a pattern will begin to emerge that provides clues as to what could be causing your panic attacks.

Change Your Reaction

There is more to learning how to stop a panic attack than simply identifying what triggers them. There is no use knowing what causes your attacks if you continue to react to it in the same way. Let us suppose that you have figured out that coming into contact with big, fierce looking dogs is causing your panic attacks. In such a case, you need to think of a different way of responding if you are to stop having the attacks.

For example, instead of giving in to your fears and hurriedly crossing the street to avoid the dog you could try walking past it at a distance while telling yourself that you are not scared. On subsequent encounters with dogs, force yourself to walk past it at a slightly nearer distance, again reminding yourself that there is absolutely nothing to fear so long as you do not allow yourself to feel frightened.

Don't Expect Miracles

Learning how to stop a panic attack is not a simple process. It requires time, patience and determination. If you want to stop having panic attacks you cannot give up when you encounter a set back.

When you feel the need for courage or support, remember that you are not the only person who is trying to overcome the problem of panic attacks; there are millions of others in the exact same situation. Furthermore, there are numerous online support groups you can join in order to interact with other panic attack sufferers.