Did you know that symptoms commonly associated with a heart attack or stroke can also be indicative of anxiety? These symptoms can seem to come on quickly and out of nowhere. Understanding some basic tips for panic attacks is key not only in identifying the symptoms, but also in knowing some things you can do to lessen or stop the attack.

Once you know that what you have is indeed anxiety related, you can follow some very effective tips for controlling panic attacks to bring them under control, stop them, or even prevent future occurrences.

There are both physical and psychological causes of panic attacks. Although experienced by both men and women, these attacks are more common among females than males. Food sensitivities and allergies, traumas and past memories can all trigger a panic attack. Something as simple as a remembered fear can drive someone into a state of panic. In many cases, it’s not even an actual occurrence of an unpleasant event, it could just be the memory of it that causes the attack to come on. Many times this will cause the sufferer to completely avoid such situations completely. In extreme cases, the fear is so terrifying that the person will even fear leaving their home.

Highly effective tips for controlling panic attacks are available to provide much needed relief when the attack first occurs, and will help tremendously in getting thru the ordeal.

Get your breathing under control first. Slow breaths will help control the flow of oxygen to the brain, and will help prevent dizziness, light-headedness and hyperventilation.

It is imperative that you keep your thoughts off of the panic. Focus your thoughts on a pleasant memory or a relaxing thought. Hold that thought or memory firmly in your mind and after awhile your body will start to relax.

There are other tips for controlling panic attacks that can be practiced on an ongoing basis, and may help to prevent future attacks. Exercise has been proven to be useful in preventing panic attacks for some people. Aromatherapy works wonders for many, in that certain scents can be very soothing for some people. The use of scented candles or oils can trigger pleasant, happy memories, thereby relaxing both mind and body. This therapy can also work extremely well with meditation. Listening to soft music in a dimly lit setting while either counting or visualizing can increase the effectiveness of the aromatherapy.

Different people have results with different techniques, so it’s wise to experiment until you find the method that works best for you. There are many things you can learn to do that are quite effective in lessening the effects of panic attacks, or even stopping them before they start.