What an anxiety attack looks like?

An anxiety attack makes an individual feel overwhelmed with fear, panic, a sense of loss of control over oneself and the environment.

The intensity of the anxiety attacks build up gradually over a few minutes reaches its peak and then subsides.

Panic attacks usually last for up to to 30 minutes.

Anxiety attacks are characterized by a set of signs and symptoms such as:

Sweating
Difficulty in breathing
Shortness of breath
Sense of joking
Complaints of chest pain
Shaking or trembling
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Fear of losing control over oneself and their environment
Fear of impending doom
Hot or cold flashes
Tingling or numbness
Increased heart rate

These symptoms vary in severity from person to person. However, it is noted that many people experience anxiety attacks that are not significantly displayed.

This might include hyperventilation or silent crying, apart from this individual might also show symptoms that are not very typical of anxiety attacks

What are the causes of an anxiety attack?

Anxiety attacks often result from accumulated stress or overwhelming feelings. Some common causes of anxiety include.

Increased and challenging situations and demands in day-to-day life.
Major changes in family dynamics such as marriage, divorce, death of a loved one.
Strain interpersonal relationships
Intrapersonal conflicts
Ineffective coping mechanisms
Comorbid conditions both physical and mental
Chronic health conditions
Genetic factors
Changes in the brain region
Overdose of caffeine
Prolonged use of medications
Significant traumatic experiences in the past or recent times
Comorbid mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder or any other phobias.

What are some ways to manage anxiety attacks?

Identify and acknowledge the triggers

The most significant strategy that can be used to control one’s anxiety attacks is by identifying and acknowledging those triggers.

Being able to recognize what makes an individual anxious makes them better equipped to take action.

Relaxation techniques

Even though anxiety attacks can be bought under an individual’s control they cannot be predicted. In such situations, it is necessary that an individual actively carries out relaxation techniques.

These might include meditation, yoga, and deep breathing which helps to reduce the intensity of anxiety within a short period.

Socialization

A key to reducing the frequency and intensity of anxiety attacks could be spending time with close family and friends.

The kind of emotional and practical support provided by these social and personal groups help the person feel connected and aid in distracting one’s mind from negative and recurring thoughts that lead to anxiety.

Apart from friends and families, individuals can also consider speaking to groups of people that are experiencing similar problems.

Set realistic goals

When an individual is feeling overwhelmed setting goals and targets keeping in mind priorities can help resolve overwhelming feelings of fear or panic.

Setting goals provides structure and routine to an individual’s life reducing space for uncertainty which can be a major trigger for anxiety attacks in many cases.

Take up new challenges

Apart from doing activities that an individual is usually fond of and has expertise in, trying new and challenging activities that put an individual outside their comfort zone in a healthy manner may help reduce the stress and anger temporarily.

Signing up for new activities also provides a path to meeting people with similar stories and concerns.

Lifestyle changes

An individual’s lifestyle plays a major role in their experience of anxiety attacks. An unhealthy and busy lifestyle usually leads to unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, lack of adequate sleep.

A combination of a well-set diet, exercise, and sleep can help to regulate an individual’s mood and equip them with a favorable coping mechanism.

these coping mechanisms in turn help to get control over once anxiety concerns in a more adaptable manner.

lack of proper diet, sleep, and exercise can make an individual sluggish, dependent, moody and vulnerable to anxiety attacks.

Making journal entries

Last but not least having a journal to write down how a person is feeling and thinking when they are anxious helps them to reflect upon their thoughts and feelings.

Putting down one’s thoughts and feelings onto a paper helps to provide a sense of temporary relief.

In the case of journal entry, a person does not even have to fear being judged by another person regarding their thoughts and feelings.

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What are the therapy options for anxiety attacks?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps an individual to control their anxiety by using strategies like relaxation and breathing. It works on the principles of replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.

Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is a kind of therapy in which an individual is exposed to a particular stimulus that they usually fear or are anxious about in a graded order.

As and when the individual gets comfortable with the situation or stimulus introduced or exposed to them with each session individuals get more comfortable with a real-life situation that might have otherwise been a source for triggering anxiety.

Group therapy

It is based on the principle that when an individual interacts with other people who are suffering from the same fears they might not feel left alone or isolated. Group therapy usually involves a group of individuals who are experiencing similar symptoms and problems.

Medication

Anxiety can also be treated with the help of medication prescribed by a health care professional.

Though medication alone cannot help in reducing persistent anxiety it can help in restoring a sense of control and bring temporary relief.

Conclusion

It has been globally reported that anxiety is becoming a part of many individuals’ life. As anxiety is a natural response to fear and threat experiencing it during day-to-day activities is looked at as a normal and predictable response.

However, the problem begins when this anxiety builds up over days and is exhibited in its worst form that is an anxiety attack.

The symptoms of an anxiety attack are a culmination of all the minor symptoms that were experienced or suppressed over some time without being dealt with effectively in a healthy manner.

Anxiety attacks can involve extreme feelings of lack of control, difficulty breathing, sense of impending doom, nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate.

Anxiety though is short-lived with regard to each episode that might overwhelm an individual with a sense of fear and panic.

considering the characteristic symptoms and signs of anxiety attacks it is best suggested that individuals are well equipped with methods and strategies to deal effectively with anxiety attacks.

in cases managing anxiety attacks and their frequency or intensity is beyond one’s control it is best advised to seek professional assistance for long-term adaptive outcomes.

What we recommend for curbing Anxiety

Below are some of the services and products we recommend for anxiety

Online Therapy

Online therapy is another thing we should all try. We highly recommend Online therapy with a provider who not only provides therapy but a complete mental health toolbox to help your wellness.

Anxiety Weighted Blankets

Anxiety Weighted Blankets are by far the number 1 thing every person who suffers from anxiety should at least try. Anxiety Blankets may improve your sleep, allow you to fall asleep faster and you can even carry them around when chilling at home.

Light Therapy

Amber light therapy from Amber lights could increase the melatonin production in your body and help you sleep better at night. An Amber light lamp helps reduce the amount of time it takes you to fall asleep and increases overall sleep quality.

Frequently asked questions

What does it look like when one is experiencing anxiety attacks?

Anxiety attacks involve some typical signs and symptoms such as:

Increased heart rate
Difficulty breathing
Sense of losing control
Fear of impending doom
Tightness in the chest
Nausea and vomiting
Shaking or trembling
Lightheadedness or dizziness

What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?

The symptoms of a panic attack are much more intensive and disruptive. Panic attacks lead to dissociation and detachment of an individual from their surroundings.

On the other hand, symptoms of anxiety vary in their intensity from mild to severe.

Apart from this anxiety and panic attacks can also be differentiated based on their onset. Panic attacks are most sudden while symptoms of anxiety build up gradually and intensify over a few minutes or days.

How long does an anxiety attack last?

Anxiety attacks at typical to last for about 10 to 30 minutes at a maximum. The symptoms that are characterized by an anxiety attack reach their peak halfway through the attack.

Anxiety usually builds up for hours or even days before the attack strikes. This indicates that it is important for an individual to identify and mark the factors that trigger anxiety to prevent anxiety attacks.

How do you overcome an anxiety attack?

Anxiety attacks usually reach their peak and subside within 30 minutes. however, some self-help techniques that individuals can use to accelerate this process are:

Taking in deep breaths through the nose and exhaling through their mouth
Using active distraction techniques such as counting steadily backward or forward
Consciously making an effort to replace negative thoughts with more positive ones
Carrying out mentally challenging and distracting activities.
Participating in mindful meditation.

Can anxiety last all day?

It is mostly reported that anxiety is a natural response to threat or fear. That being said it usually lasts for a short period. However, some anxiety episodes last a little longer than others. This can range from a few minutes to a few days.

Citation

https://www.healthshots.com/mind/mental-health/this-is-what-an-anxiety-attack-looks-like/

What an anxiety attack looks like?