Panic disorder is a mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. It is usually characterized by sudden and intense feelings of fear or anxiety, which can be overwhelming and debilitating.

Having panic attacks can be extremely frightening, but the good news is that there are ways to effectively manage them. This article gives an overview of panic disorder, including its definition and risk factors. It also discusses the strategies people can take to overcome this condition.

What Is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder where you experience panic attacks on a regular basis. A panic attack is characterized by a sudden surge of fear or discomfort that manifests in your physical state.

Note that getting anxious or having panic attacks at certain times is our body’s natural response to stressful events or situations. But when you regularly experience sudden fear, panic, or anxiety, you might have panic disorder.

The Symptoms and Causes of Panic Disorder

People with panic disorder often experience the physical symptoms of a panic attack, such as difficulty breathing, sweating, trembling, and heart palpitations. An individual can have panic attacks multiple times depending on how severe the panic disorder is.

They may also experience feelings of unreality or a sense of detachment from their surroundings. In severe cases, individuals feel like they’re having a heart attack or going to die.

Overcoming Panic Disorder: 5 Strategies

While having a panic disorder can be challenging, there are many effective ways to manage its symptoms. Here are some of them.

1. Get a Psychiatric Service Dog

Psychiatric service animals like dogs are trained to give emotional support to individuals suffering from mental health conditions, including panic disorder. These animals can help reduce stress levels, anticipate anxiety attacks, and sometimes fetch medications.

Trained service dogs can detect signs of an anxiety attack before it happens. It’s important, especially if you need to take medications during an attack. These animals also provide companionship and help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Read more: Psychiatric Service Animal vs Emotional Support Animal: What’s the Difference?

3. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

This is a type of talking therapy where problems are broken down into smaller parts, usually into 5 main areas (situation, thoughts, emotions, physical feelings, and action). This helps individuals to identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to feelings of panic and anxiety.

4. Medication

There are several medications available that can help to manage the symptoms of panic disorder, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. However, most of them cannot be obtained without the prescription of a medical professional.

It’s important that you first get medical advice from your doctor and take your medicines according to the prescribed dosage. Note that some antidepressants take some time to work, so don’t stop taking your medicines when you feel that they’re not working.

5. Lifestyle changes

Making healthy lifestyle choices can also help reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. Start by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.

Mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga can also reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation.

Conclusion

It may be difficult to live while suffering from panic disorder but the good news is that this condition is treatable. So don’t worry and try to apply the abovementioned things to help you overcome this condition. And if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of panic disorder, don’t be afraid to reach out and seek help from a mental health professional.

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