Panic Attacks
Do you ever feel short of breath and light headed? Feel like the walls are closing in on you? Screaming from the back of the room but no one seems to hear you? And after feeling all this, you feel ashamed to talk to anyone about it? The good thing is you are not alone!
Panic Attacks are known to come on pretty quickly and seem to come from nowhere. Maybe there was something that was bothering you deep down and is now making it to the surface. There could even a fear you have which kickstarts the panic attack into high gear. Panic Attacks are known for being brief periods of intense fear or anxiety that may trigger physical, emotional or other symptoms.
Physical symptoms: A rapid heartbeat, sweating, chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, dizziness, nausea, chills, hot flushes, stomach pain, or a choking sensation
Emotional symptoms: An overwhelming sense of fear, apprehension, anxiety, or a feeling of dread or fear of dying
Other symptoms: Numbness or pins and needles, dry mouth, or a tingling in your fingers
I know from experience when you try and talk to someone about what you are feeling, you may be lucky and get that supportive person or persons in your life. Unfortunately, that is not always the case for so many people. They ask if you are being dramatic or you can’t cope under pressure with life’s difficulties. The thing is, panic attacks are not us being dramatic or failing to cope with something life threw at us unexpectedly, or having in-laws who treat you like garbage (for some maybe its your family). It is a real thing, that can happen and people should know there are ways to help it.
Dealing with panic attacks myself, I have been told by doctors what I can do in order to help myself while I am mid way through one. Does anything on this list ring true to any of you reading this:
Breathe slowly - Focus on planting my feet on the ground - Relax your muscles - Try and distract yourself - Practice mindfulness - Talk to yourself in a positive manner
Now, I remember when I was a kid and I would have panic attacks. I was given the lecture of how I was overreacting, given a brown paper bag which someone already used for lunch that day and told I need to get over things. And let’s not forget to mention talking to yourself! Having a panic attack because people think you’re dramatic and then start saying to yourself, “you are loved” might even look worse.
So with all those things you can do DURING a Panic Attack, what can you do to help prevent them from happening frequently, or even at all? Is there anything a wellness spa like Bossa Massages & Wellness can do to help prevent panic attacks from happening to some people. Here are a list of things we offer which have been known to help people, clients and non-clients, fight panic attacks before they can happen. (Disclaimer - I am not a doctor or a trained psychologist. This is a blog and only to be used for reading purposes) :)
Here is a list of all things Bossa Massages & Wellness offers to help Panic Attacks:
Red Light Therapy (RLT) - Anxiety and depression are common issues that RLT may help alleviate. The therapy stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that regulate mood. This can result in a decrease in signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, helping individuals feel more balanced and positive.
Green Light Therapy (GLT) - Quiet and restful, green is a soothing color that can invite harmony and diffuse anxiety.
Blue Light Therapy (BLT) - A highly peaceful color, blue can be especially helpful for stress management because it can encourage a powerful sense of calm.
Massage - My specialty! Massage can help your body relax, which can help you let go of anxious thoughts. Massage therapy can also help manage the overactive fight-or-flight response that can cause physical symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, and chest pain. It can improve mood and relaxation while increasing confidence and self-image, while also helping any muscle, joint or flex pain.
Cryotherapy - Cryotherapy can quickly relieve anxiety and emotional exhaustion by calming the nervous system. The cold temperatures in cryotherapy trigger the release of endorphins, which can help relax the body and mind. Regular cryotherapy sessions can help regulate mood and improve emotional resilience, along with feeling less stressed, more balanced and clearer. Its also GREAT for cry slimming and our signature cryo facials.
Infrared Sauna - Sauna sessions can help improve mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. The time spent in a sauna can be introspective, which can help with anxiety, depression, and burnout. Saunas increase oxygen-dense blood flow into the brain, which can help the brain exit a high-stress state. The heat from a sauna causes a physiological change that mimics exercise, which can help with anxiety.
Reiki - With our certified Reiki specialist Karin on hand, Reiki can potentially help with panic attacks by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and creating a sense of well-being, which could alleviate anxiety symptoms that often trigger panic attacks; however, it's important to note that Reiki should not be considered a sole treatment for panic disorder and professional medical advice is always recommended.
These are just some of the features we offer when it comes to Panic Attacks and how we can overcome them. Always remember, you are you and Bossa Massages & Wellness is here to help you on your wellness journey.
Billy
