Stress is a normal facet in our lives. We thrive on a little stress because it keeps us focused and enables us to stay mentally alert. Sometimes, though, stress can start to take over and cause us to have anxiety attacks.
The anxiety attacks can come on unnoticed and they can seem like everyday stress-related problems. If these attacks continue to go untreated, they can dramatically harm one's life very quickly.
Recognizing the symptoms of an anxiety attack is an important first step to treatment. Though everyone reacts to stress in different ways some common indicators of unhealthy anxiety include difficulty concentrating, racing or uncontrollable thoughts, memory lapses, and feelings of confusion. In order to recognize the indicators for an anxiety attack, you have to understand the symptoms of stress first.
When an attack is occurring, some physical symptoms may be more prevalent. Difficulty breathing, heart pounding or palpitations, weakness or shaking, gastrointestinal discomfort and temperature disturbances are all possible problems that may occur.
During the height of an anxiety attack the physical symptoms can be so overwhelming that that they are upsetting. People often report feeling “out of control” of their body or as if they are “dying.” The first time a person experiences an anxiety attack they are unlikely to identify the symptoms of those of anxiety and are more likely to feel that they are experience a heart attack, stroke, or serious medical emergency.
Often it is someone else who notices the symptoms of an anxiety attack. Once an anxiety attacks are suspected immediate medical attention should be sought. Anxiety attacks have similar symptoms to more serious, life threatening medical conditions.
When the physician rules out anything medical and determines that they are anxiety attacks, he may start them on some type of medication to help relieve them of some of the symptoms and encourage the patient to seek a counselor.
A therapist will gather information about your past and present life and work with you to figure out the major sources of your stress. Once you understand what’s causing the attacks, you can work with your doctor and counselor to determine your plan of action. A therapist is trained to help you learn to cope with your stress in healthy ways.
There are many websites devoted to the use of relaxation techniques that reduce symptoms to a more manageable level and breathing exercises to improve oxygen intake, which could help slow down a racing heart rhythm.
As the stress in your day to day life increases, there are many strategies for coping. Getting assistance in learning how to manage your anxiety is the first step. Determining the major stressors in your life and developing an effective strategy to cope with them will increase your comfort level and bring hope back into your life.
Get Josh Murphy's latest free report 'Self-Care Boot Camp' - jam-packed with more great stress relief information at StressReliefTipsWeekly.com. Check out the site for more great info on topis like stress symptoms as well as a free weekly newsletter that subscribers can't get enough of!
