How to Cope with Panic Disorder

Imagine feeling out of breath, your heart pounding 90 miles an hour, your mouth becomes dry, and swallowing is out of the question. Just as things seem to not be able to get any worse, you notice that you are sweating uncontrollably, and you feel as if you are spinning. Sounds scary doesn't it? Of course it is, and just to think, many people (especially women) have this disorder. It's called Panic Disorder. Panic Disorder is a form of depression where one often experiences "panic attacks" hence the name of the disorder. This disorder is genetic, and is usually formed in the young adult years, between the ages of 16 and 23. However, you may experience it earlier, or later into life.

Although it is considered a genetic disorder, some people have it regardless of genetics. It can be brought on from stress, drug or alcohol abuse, or a trauma. This is a disorder that you will have the rest of your life, but you don't have to feel like it. The panic symptoms will go away in time if you relieve your stress, and get to the core of the problem. If you think that you have Panic Disorder, the FIRST thing you should do is see your primary care doctor. he may refer you to a psychiatrist, or he may be able to prescribe you some anti-depressants. In most cases he will give you a prescription of an anti-depressant, and depending on how bad you are, he also might give you something to clam your nerves down. The most commonly prescribed anti-depressants are zoloft, Paxil, Effexor, Prozac, Celexa, & Welbutrin. There are however, alot more medications on that list. If you are not doing so well, and have bad panic attacks, he may also give you xanax, klonopin, valium, or another sedative pill to take as needed. No matter what, always follow your doctor's orders. Every persons body is unique. What works for one may not always work for the other. If you would like to deal with this disorder without taking medication, I suggest that you try these regimens, and incorporate them in your daily life from now on.

- Cut back on caffeine. Caffeine tends to make the heart rate faster, which makes you shake and gives you jitters. Caffeine can make your attacks a lot worse than they already are.

- Stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant, which depression is the root of panic attacks. although it makes you forget for a short period of time, 9 times out of 10 you will have DOUBLE the panic attacks the next day.

- Stay away from energy pills or drinks. Some herbs, such as ephedrine, ma huang, guarana, and ginseng have jittery side effects, and will often throw you into an attack

- Learn to love lavender & chamomile. These 2 herbs have a relaxing and calming effect. Just smelling them can often STOP or SLOW an attack. Keep some lotion handy in your car, or your purse in those scents, it will come in handy someday, Also, you can purchase these scents in sprays. At night, spray your sheets with them before you go to bed. You can also get bath bubbles and take a relaxing bath.

- Take a warm bath. It will calm your body. Use soothing gels, candles, and anything else that has a calming effect.

-Breathe. Yes, breathe... a lot of times, when people are having attacks, they forget to breathe, or they are focusing on it so hard that they go into hyperventilation. Take deep long breaths through your nose, and hold it in for 10 seconds. This is called "block breathing". Then, let the air out of your mouth nice and slow. Repeat these steps however long it takes to calm your body down.

-Drink water. Have water handy at all times. This will replenish your body.

- Think positive. Try not to think that you're having a heart attack. Know that you have this disorder, and this too shall pass...

These are just a few things that you can do to control, or even prevent panic attacks. Remember that this all stems from stress and depression. So, the best thing that you can do is follow your doctor's orders, and try to get to the ROOT of the issue. Try not to get stressed out over things that you cannot control. Once you find the root cause, you can then focus on resolving that issue, and your attacks will soon disappear.