Anxiety Attack - Causes, Symptoms, and How to Deal With It?

by BetterLYF Wellness Online Counselling Psychologist

Anxiety is a natural response of our body and mind to an anticipated terror. Anxiety attacks are mostly originated from past traumatic experiences such as a near-death experience, past abuse, a broken relationship etc. In an incident like a life-threatening situation, the body is pushed into a fight or flight mode which makes you feel anxiety. Anxiety grows in situations when you have to choose either to face the threat or escape.

In such a situation, the body releases lots of cortisol, the culprit hormone which is responsible for an anxiety attack. The hormone boosts the heart rate causing anxiety attacks.

You must have noticed your heart beating at a fast rate and this is natural after running for a few meters. Well, that's exactly what happens when you feel panic, your mind runs faster and it causes an anxiety attack.

People who have social anxiety feel anxiety running through their bodies even at the slightest mention of public speaking. Anxiety may make you feel like you are getting a heart attack but the good thing is it is not.

Anxiety Attacks Treatment

Relaxation Techniques/Breathing Exercises- Body relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises help your body and mind to return to a calming state. It can be easily achieved by breathing exercises. Holding your breath for five seconds or longer if you can, then releasing brings a calming effect.

Positive Thinking- Think of the positive things in your life that motivate you and stop dwelling on the negative issues. When you focus your mind on the good things that your life has to offer helps de-stress your body and mind.

Yoga and Meditation- Yoga and meditation sessions can help you regain full control of your mind and thoughts if something is bothering your mind. Yoga and meditation help you tune your body and mind in the right direction.

Physical Exercises- It does not mean that you need to do a heavy workout or weight training. Only simple exercises like walking, running, and aerobics will be enough to help your mind to release the feel-good hormones essential for keeping you fit mentally. Only a 25-30 minutes session of exercise can bring your body to a relaxed state and burn the anxiety feeling.

Medication- In case nothing seems to work out, you can always consult a psychologist who will suggest further treatment be it therapy or medication you need as treatment. Medication, as well as counselling, can help you live a normal life.

Anxiety can be treated with counselling, therapy and medication and you can get such treatment at various clinics and also on some online counselling platforms. Taking to a close friend or family member can also help sometimes, but a therapist is a trained professional to help you using the therapy as per your condition.

Sitting in isolation and loneliness can encourage poisonous thoughts in your mind which is why the therapist suggest you engage in outdoor activities. Prayers also help keep your mind calm, thus, having faith, be it any religion naturally reduces the anxiety levels.