MBOMBELA – If you’ve never suffered an anxiety attack, your first one feels like something akin to death or overwhelming despair.
Lowvelder’s news editor, Nicolene Smalman, has used these words to describe a panic attack: “Sufferers of panic attacks will tell you it literally feels like you are going to die. Your heart feels as if it is about to jump out of your chest, you hyperventilate and cannot stop shaking. The worst of all is, you don’t even have to experience stress, undergo a traumatic event or be in a life-threatening situation to develop a panic attack. It catches you off guard, out of nowhere.”
Read her feature on panic here.
Anxiety, stress and panic can take an ordinary day and turn it into hell. For days like these, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) have come up with some suggestions to manage anxiety and stress. These tips, read along with that of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, suggest that anxiety and depression sufferers remember to:
– Take time off once in a while. This could entail practising a hobby, doing some exercise or meditating.
– Limit alcohol, nicotine and caffeine. Stimulants like these can aggravate anxiety.
– Get enough sleep. The effect of a good night’s sleep on a person’s well being cannot be overstated. When stressed, your body will require additional rest as compensation.
– Breathe! Anxiety can be countered by taking ten deep, slow breaths.
– While doing so, count to ten a few times.
– You can’t control everything. On the contrary. Very few things are within your control. This realisation brings peace once it is truly embraced.
– Stay positive. By starting your day positive and refusing to give in to negative thoughts, you will have the upper hand when a bad mood tries to kick in.
