Anxiety Is Curable - Don't Give In !

We all have been anxious at one point or another; however, a persistent state of uncertainty, fear and apprehension, resulting in an imaginary threatening situation for the patient, is classified as a panic attack. In medical lingo, it is known as Panic Disorder. The body responds to the “threat situation” just like it would in real danger. This response results in deep psychological and emotional transitions in a patient.

Anxiety attacks and panic attacks are often thought of as the same; however, they are not. They differ in intensity. Panic attacks are more intense, and the potency is so high that you often feel delusional with the anxiety it brings. They may happen suddenly, with or without a trigger. On the other hand, anxiety attacks are usually a result of continued health conditions like, OCD and trauma. However, the symptoms are not very different.

Fighting anxiety is NOT a losing battle. Though it overtakes your life for the time being, don’t give in. At times, it comes in waves and at others, it remains with you as a constant companion. In both the situations, you feel ready to give up. The feeling is so overwhelming and out of control that it is natural to feel that way. However, please do not give up the fight. Anxiety is one hundred percent curable with the right medication and counselling. It is also true that when you are having the anxiety attacks, you cannot think of anything else. There is this strong knot somewhere inside your chest and stomach that keeps getting tighter and longs for a release. You start sweating profusely and hyperventilating. You feel choked, your skin starts feeling a burning sensation, your knees go weak and at times, you feel hot or cold flashes. You want to run away from all this and escape. It is OK. This is how it happens, and it shall pass. Yes, it will. What is of importance here is to keep up the fight. It might seem difficult at a time when you are suffering, but only the will power to get cured will get you there. You are fighting your mind each day, and this is brave. Exhausting, but nevertheless brave.

If you are not the sufferer yourself, it is equally important that you recognize the symptoms in a person around you and be able to help. A person undergoing a panic or anxiety attack can use all the help they can get. As all bodies are chemically composed differently, the symptoms and the intensity may differ from person to person. Someone having a panic attack might display the following symptoms:

• Jumpy and extremely tense.
• Hyperventilation
• Sweating profusely
• Looking blank
• Grabbing their chest or stomach
• Body gets cold to touch
• Twitching of muscles
• Trembling or seeking support to stand

Anxiety symptoms often mimic a heart-attack. It is imperative to seek medical assistance immediately if you are not able to decipher.

There are many therapies which claim to treat anxiety attacks, like CBT (cognitive -behavior therapy) and Exposure Therapy. Here are ten tried- and- tested ways to give a solid fightback to your anxiety:

1. Drink hot tea
2. Go for an aimless walk
3. Go out with a friend
4. Talk to somebody
5. Drink a glass of ice-cold water
6. Eat something good
7. Wash your face with cold water. Sit with folded hands. Try to breathe deeply. Do it consciously.
8. Connect with fellow sufferers on social media or elsewhere. It helps supporting each other.
9. Walk up to a mirror and look at yourself. Stand there. Let this thought sink in. You have made it so far. You will make it through again.
10. Take your medicine. Anxiety is completely curable. Right medication is important.

Do avoid these things while you are having these attacks:

1. Alcohol – It might make you feel better momentarily, but the after effects are disastrous
2. Skipping food – This might worsen your symptoms
3. Anxiety-triggering foods: high sugar products, junk food, gluten, excess salt, fried foods, starchy carbs
4. Inactivity
5. Not getting enough sleep
6. Poor diet
7. Unhealthy living
8. Being alone
9. Anxiety fueling activities
10. Trying to force-stop the incoming thoughts

As is with other mental ailments, anxiety is debilitating. It disorients the patient from the real world happenings and push them into an imaginative scenario, where every little thing could be intimidating and threatening. It is exhausting to fight every day with your own mind. It is a dreadful feeling when you wake up in the morning with anxiety brewing up. Along with your confused mind, it settles down in your stomach and your heart. It starts disrupting the day-to-day functioning. As I said, do not give in. It is a battle which can be won.