It is unbelievable how many people suffer from severe Anxiety disorder. As someone who suffers from this, I have learned how to talk myself out of even the worst anxiety attacks one could get. Here are the techniques I use, based on first aid classes and personal experience.
Let’s break it down: What is an Anxiety/Panic attack? For many people, it is the sudden onset of symptoms like dizziness, shakiness, and a terrifying fear that you are about to die. The full list of symptoms is equivalent to those given to a combination heart attack and stroke. The key to being able to truly talk yourself down is basic first aid training.
Using First Aid to Calm Down
When you feel as though you are having a heart attack, remember these key things:
- People having a real heart attack will first go into shock. This means you get an instant fever, your heart races, you break into a cold sweat, and your lips and ear lobes turn blue. The key is the bluish tint of your lips and ears. If it isn’t present during this attack, you are not going into shock and therefore, not having a real heart attack.
When you feel as though you are having symptoms of a stroke, remember to check these key things:
- Stroke victims often feel tingly feelings in parts of their body, which people with anxiety attacks also get. If you are feeling like you are having a stroke, check your smile. Look in a mirror and notice if one side of your face is droopy or sagging. If that is okay, put your arms over your head and stretch. If that is also okay, repeat a simple phrase out loud. I recommend something simple, like “the dog walks to the park.” Victims of stroke cannot do any of these things properly; ergo, you have not had a stroke.
Worried about Head Trauma?
If you are feeling light-headed and feel there could be something wrong, checking for head trauma is the easiest. You simply look into a mirror and place one hand over one eye. When you take your hand off, your pupil will dilate. If your pupils are dilating properly, there is no head trauma.
After you have checked all of these things, you will have distracted yourself enough to calm down. If you find you are still feeling a little shaky—which you might—simply splash some cold water on your face and lay down a while. Experts usually recommend holding onto an ice cube during a panic attack, but in case you didn’t realise it, that hurts! These tips are clear cut ways to help you out, so why not give it a try?
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice
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