Breathing Properly When Panic Symptoms Strike

Panic symptoms are not life threatening but can be extremely terrifying and lead to other conditions and disorders. People with anxiety disorder are much more likely to have depression and a sleep problem. Common panic symptoms include depersonalization, sweating, nausea and fear or losing control.

Symptoms often snowball creating an avalanche of overwhelming emotions and sensations. A common panic attack symptom is hyperventilation. Sufferers find their chests feel tight and breathing increases disturbing the oxygen and carbon dioxide balance in their bloodstream.

This causes arteries to restrict and blood flow to the brain decrease. Lightheadedness and feelings of faintness are likely to occur. A sufferer might experience confusion, disorientation and further panic symptoms.

Symptoms such as a raging heart, chest pain numbness and tingling sensations make sufferers feel like they're having a stroke or heart attack. When in a state of panic, hyperventilation is even more difficult to get under control. Sufferers might then have to just wait until panic symptoms pass.

Hyperventilating, although scary and worrying is not life threatening. It's not uncommon for victims of hyperventilation to pass out. So it's important to be aware of your breathing and how to control your breathing. By learning and practicing breath control you can reduce symptoms.

Muscle ache, tension and low energy levels are all signs of stress and anxiety. These symptoms however can be immensely decreased by changing our behaviors and simply by relaxing. Right now, notice how you're sitting and breathing: Are you breathing rapidly? Is your breath shallow? How do you feel? Are you anxious and tense?

People who suffer from panic symptoms feel agitated and unable to relax most of the time. A rapid and shallow breath is also usual. Changing the way you sit and breathe can help change behaviors; loosen up you shoulders, sit up straight and breathe deeply. You'd be surprised how much tension you can release from your body.

Difficulty breathing can be caused by stress and anxiety. For a normal relaxed person 8 to 9 breaths per minute is the average. Practicing deep slow breathing on a daily basis can help reduce anxiety and stress. Practice this as often as you can wherever you are. Focus on relaxing your muscles on each exhale.

Try and focus on your breathing next time you start to have a panic attack. You can also try breathing in a paper bag to help slow your breathing. Breathing techniques alone may not be the answer to curing panic symptoms but it can greatly reduce symptoms and help calm you.