by Charles Beeson

Panic Attacks are intense periods of anxiety that have the extreme physical characteristics of a pounding rapid heart rate, trembling, sweating and shortness of breath. They usually last from 3 to 10 minutes, but, can subside and repeat several times in succession.

This results in the fear of having a heart attack, dying or becoming insane, which sends many to the hospital emergency room… TO BE TOLD they only had a panic attack and there is nothing to worry about.

But, the greater fear is that of having another panic attack.

This form of anticipation anxiety creates a lasting state of fear, that can easily trigger another panic attack. This on-going, relapsing – remitting condition… when lasting for 30 days or more; is called a Panic Disorder.

Here is a complete list of Panic Attack Symptoms:

It begins with a fearful thought about a perceived feeling… real or imagined. This in-turn triggers a part of the brain designed to protect you, by reacting in what is commonly called the flight or fight response. This activity is channeled through the sympathetic nervous system which engages the adrenal glands to flood the blood stream with adrenaline and cortisol.

These chemicals are your body’s natural mechanism to help you suddenly freeze, run or fight an attacker. They tighten the blood vessels, causing an increase in heart rate and breathing. This sends more oxygen to the parts of the body needed for a strong physical reaction.

All of the PHYSICAL symptoms listed above are caused by this process.  The feeling of fear is actually created by these chemicals which spirals into an intense state of anxiety and… PANIC!

No one has ever been harmed or killed by a panic attack.  It is not much different than what is experienced from a hard work-out at the gym. The feelings created are similar to the adrenalin rush from riding a thrill ride at the amusement park. The difference is YOUR PERCEPTION.  Just grasping these realities can make a real difference in overcoming the severity of future attacks.

The most widely taught method to stop an attack is to mentally consider the physical feelings you are experiencing and select the strongest symptom to focus upon. Think about moving into that feeling and accepting it for what it is.

Do not think about trying to STOP it.  That usually makes it worse. A far better technique, is to try and make it worse.  I call this the “Bring It On Baby” technique.

The MP3 download recording that can help you master this technique is available in the Self-Help Tools. It can often stop a panic attack in about 20 seconds.

Another effective way to put the brakes on an attack is to regulate your breathing. During an extreme anxiety attack you begin breathing rapidly near the top of your chest. A great method to quickly engage the “Relaxation Response” through the Parasympathetic Nervous System, is to begin slow, deep belly breathing.

Begin getting help by first seeing your medical doctor, to rule-out any physical cause. Your physician may prescribe a medication to help calm your nerves. Most of these medications have side effects. So, your best bet is to ultimately get a treatment that will help you change your thinking, perception and behavior (cognitive thought process) that’s triggering your panic attacks.

At this time, the most accepted, evidence based treatment to accomplish this… is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This usally takes about 12 to 24 weeks of “talk therapy”, at a cost of approximately, $2400 to $4800. This is a learning process involving education and self-help techniques.

The InstaCalm® Hypnosis Anxiety Treatment for Panic Disorders in San Jose, California, has demonstrated it can achieve this same outcome, in about 50% of the time and cost. *Results Vary

InstaCalm® is an alternative/complimentary treatment using Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy Techniques. The patient is coached by a Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, practicing within the laws of California as an Alternative Healthcare Professonal.

You can get started by taking a free Anxiety Rating Test and finding out more about the program during a complimentary, 15 minute, phone consultation or calling 1-(408)-656-5574.