How to: Identify and Deal with Panic Attacks

Imagine this: You're casually getting through your day and minding your own business. Suddenly, BOOM! You are asked to confront your long-lost crush in front of your parents. How would you feel? You might be feeling a bit scared, because it's been like years since the last time both of you met. Or maybe, you feel excited, because you want to feel those butterflies and sparkles again. 

But, let me tell you this, some of us might be feeling these kind of symptoms:

1) Shaking hands

2) Sweaty palms

3) Hard to breathe/ chest pain

4) Chills

So, if you're having these symptoms, you might be experiencing panic attack. Panic attack can be defined as a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. Although the symptoms are not dangerous, it can be very frightening, and best to know how to deal with it. I was dealing with a few panic attacks that made me feel so low. It was as if my hands are tied and can't move a single muscle from my body. But, given some time, I've found my ideal way to deal with panic attack. So, let me share with you some tips on how I actually deal with panic attacks. 

1) Breathe. 

I know, you might be thinking, "but I've been breathing all this time.". Yes, you are, but this time try practicing deep breathing. Count to 7 when you inhale, holding your breath and exhaling. You will feel calmer afterwards. I did this often because it's the quickest way to relax myself and I don't have to rely on any outer source of comfort. It'll help a lot if you could find fragrance that you like a lot, be it scented candles or even potpourri. 

2) Physical Contact. 

It sounds cute and simple, but actually, body contact can help us to calm ourselves. Some simple gestures like holding hands, shoulder massage and hugs can get us to feel the warmth of others, which resulted to make us feel a lot safer, as if we are in our safe space. As for me, I would ask someone to hug me for a bit, because it'll help to get me back to the reality, as panic attack sometimes can make you feel detached from the real world. So, next time, try getting some free hugs! (or even giving some)

3) Do your thing, like hobby or usual ritual

In order for you to get back to your groove, you need to do something that you're really into. Doing things that you love would definitely help you to do so. Sometimes, panic attacks could be sourced from something that you dislike, or what you always afraid of. Therefore, you can try doing your rituals whenever you getting panic attacks, so that you can put your mind off it. Besides, it'll reduce the tension that built up inside your body. As for me, I always have a song playlist that I always listen to whenever I have panic attacks. Besides that, I would go play my guitar and sing. It helps me to get through those tough times, and I'm grateful that I am a lot more competent now :)

I hope you found my sharing helpful! Let's practice these together, so that we could deal with our life matters a lot better. Feel free to contact me, be it through phone calls or messaging to share your experience and our knowledges on how to improve our well-being. Don't worry, we are in this together <3