Since experiencing panic attacks, my Mum has found that the breathing exercises recommended to her by her clinical psychiatrist can really help treat panic attacks. So much so that she now goes to a weekly yoga class which she really enjoys. She has learnt that deep breathing and meditation, if performed on a regular basis, are thought to be one of the best ways to treat the symptoms of panic attacks.
Mum has showed me how to do the relaxing breathing exercises as I am hoping they will work for me too. She told me to sit in an upright chair and slowly take in a full breath of air whilst pushing out my stomach. Then when I feel I can’t take in anymore air to hold it in to the count of 20. After 20, I am to slowly breathe out through my mouth. After completing this breathing exercise I have to count to 30 and repeat it several times. Mum said she does this as much as she can throughout the day and it always helps to calm her and lessen the symptoms of anxiety and is a good panic attacks treatment.
Another exercise teaches sufferers to breathe more deeply from their diaphragm and not just from their chests, this definately can help treat panic attacks. This exercise helps increase oxygen supply to the brain to help us to focus more clearly. Mum told me to lie down somewhere comfortable on my back. She then said to keep one hand on my chest and the other hand on my stomach. She said I was then to concentrate on my stomach rising when I inhale and fall when I exhale. She said to aim for around 5 or 6 breaths in a minute and to make sure that the whole exercise is a relaxed process.
Deep breathing exercises have been found to show amazing results as a panic attacks treatment. Although it seems such a simple way to treat panic attacks, it has proved incredibly effective for my Mum and I hope it does the same for me!