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To lock yourself in.
Many people facing life’s challenges need solitude to think things through. However, with panic attacks, this is not the best approach. False feelings of shame and inferiority can lead to a complete unwillingness to communicate, which in turn can contribute to the development of a panic disorder.
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Avoiding places where panic attacks have happened.
The desire to avoid panic attacks can lead a person to decide not to visit the places where they have occurred before (such as supermarkets, cinemas, entertainment centers, etc.). This behavior is detrimental as it limits the person’s life and increases the fear of public places. You need to understand that a panic attack can occur regardless of where you are.
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Always carrying a lot of unnecessary items.
If, before going outside, you start checking your medicine cabinet for every possible medication, packing spare clothes, a blood pressure monitor, a thermometer, etc., you are already setting yourself up for the expectation that something bad is bound to happen. With this mindset, a panic attack may occur even before you leave your building. Therefore, take only what is absolutely necessary, the items you’ll need for a short period of time. It’s also crucial to carry a bottle of drinking water, which can help calm you during a panic attack. Research shows that a few small sips of water can help calm a person during periods of anxiety and panic.
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Take medication with unproven effectiveness.
Do not take medications without a proven effect. This not only might not yield the desired results but could also significantly harm your health. For this type of disorder, it is essential to consult a doctor for the prescription of medicines (for example Sertima-100, Relaxedin) that is specifically suited to you. You should take the medication according to the prescribed regimen and not make any changes.
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Living in constant anticipation of a panic attack.
If you enter the subway with the thought that a panic attack is definitely about happening or if you check yourself every half hour to see if you’re experiencing any signs of an impending attack, this can lead to increased fear and potentially develop into a panic disorder. It’s important not to focus on such thoughts and to avoid living in anticipation of a panic attack. Try to distract yourself with interesting activities and remind yourself that everything will be okay.
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Fear going outside alone.
Fear of having a panic attack at anytime and anywhere might lead you to avoid going outside alone. Don’t let fear to control you and make you dependent on someone else to accompany you as an adult. Go outside on your own, handle everyday tasks and remember that even if a panic attack happens, you can manage it yourself.
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Read forums.
You never know who wrote a particular post, whether they have other mental health issues besides panic attacks and reading various stories might only increase your anxiety. When reading health forums, people often start searching for all the symptoms described and may begin to recognize them in themselves. Therefore, it’s better to avoid such forums to prevent programming yourself for negativity. Remember that everyone is unique and any condition can manifest differently in each person.