Control a Panic Attack First and You're Already Halfway to the Cure

There's some good news and some bad news about panic attacks.  The bad news is they may or may not go away completely. The good news is there are things you can do immediately to control a panic attack and minimize its negative consequences on your well being and start experiencing real relief in your life right now.To start with some basics, most of us were never taught to breathe properly.  That is to say, most of us take short breaths, take them far too often, and only use about half of our body's air intake capacity.  By learning a new skill, diaphragmatic breathing, you can easily and healthily oxygenate your body while simultaneously restoring proper blood chemistry and lowering your general level of anxiety.  If your general level of anxiety lowers, then the distance it takes to reach the threshold at which your body enters panic attack mode will increase, and thus you will find yourself building up a resistance to panic attacks and being able to handle anxiety with greater ease.  Learning to take slow, deep breaths of air, pulling the air all the way down into the lower stomach and then slowly releasing that air is the ideal way in which to breathe.It's also important to recognize the triggers of your panic attacks.  This varies from person to person.  For some people panic attacks are linked to a fear of crowded places or social situations.  For others it could be a painful recurring memory.  Still with others it could be totally genetic and a panic attack can occur without explanation.  It's a good idea to monitor what you are thinking and feeling just prior to the onset of a panic attack.  Psychologists recommend keeping a journal.  Identify the triggers and you can start to overcome them bit by bit.Seeing a medical professional is always an option, and medication can potentially provide relief, though it may not provide a permanent cure.  The disadvantages are the side effects which vary depending on the medication you may be prescribed.There are plenty of options available.  Whether you choose to go it alone in tackling panic attacks or see a doctor, there are ways you can control a panic attack to the extent that it no longer controls you, and that's a good place to start in working towards a cure.