9 Ways to Manage Panic Attacks When You Have COPD
Breathe easier with these tips.
By Deborah Leader, RN
COPD is associated with high levels of anxiety that can negatively affect your quality of life. Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by several physical symptoms. While many people get panic attacks, people with COPD seem to be especially prone to them. As anxiety builds, it may contribute to severe breathlessness.
Symptoms of panic attacks include:
Sweating
Heart palpitations
Trembling or shaking
Severe shortness of breath or feelings of being smothered
Chest pain, tightness, or discomfort
Fear of dying
Dizziness
Numbness and tingling in the extremities
Hot flashes
Chills
Below are some ways you may be able to diffuse a panic attack when you feel one coming on.
Breathing Exercises
Often described as "taking your breath away," a panic attack can make you feel like you are suffocating, hyperventilating, or choking. That's why it is extremely important when you recognize the sensation of panic, you begin to focus on your breathing. If you can control your breathing during a panic attack, you can usually get through it in a relatively short period of time. Start with the following technique:
While relaxing your shoulders, inhale slowly and deeply through your nose.
When you inhale, your abdomen should expand outward and you should
feel very little expansion of your chest. This is known as diaphragmatic
breathing.
While keeping your jaw relaxed, purse your lips like you are going to blow out a
candle. With pursed lips, breathe out slowly through your mouth.
This is known as pursed-lip breathing.
Repeat this breathing exercise until you feel calmer.
To have better control over your breathing, practice breathing exercises on a regular basis.
Take Medication
Medication can be extremely effective in managing panic disorders and panic attacks. In COPD, antidepressants are sometimes preferred over anti-anxiety medications, but which medication works best for you should be discussed with your doctor.
Although you may experience a worsening of breathlessness during a panic attack, the emergency use of bronchodilators, which may increase heart rate and intensify anxiety, is discouraged. Instead, try taking slow, deep breaths as mentioned above.
Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Research suggests that mindfulness meditation―a practice dedicated to focusing your mind on the present―can help treat anxiety disorders as well as relieve stress.
De-Stress With Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation is an important part of reducing anxiety levels and preventing panic attacks. In some instances, practicing relaxation techniques may help you manage a panic attack that has already begun. Treat yourself kindly, and don't feel bad about prioritizing self-care during particularly stressful periods of time.
Visualize Your Way to Calm
Visualization is a powerful technique that allows you to use your imagination to help you unwind. Visualization prevents you from focusing on the worry and fear of having a full-blown panic attack. It guides you by focusing your mind on serene, peaceful images, instead of those that may cause you to feel panicked.
Try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Panic attacks occur in COPD when uncomfortable physical sensations (shortness of breath, increased heart rate) are catastrophically misinterpreted. This means that instead of knowing that these symptoms are not life-threatening and you have the ability to overcome them, you believe you are unable to survive them. Working with a therapist and trying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk-based therapy, can help treat anxiety symptoms and panic attacks.
Stop Your Negative Thoughts
Thought stopping is a cognitive behavioral therapy technique that involves consciously commanding your negative thoughts to stop and replacing them with more realistic, positive ones.
Check Out a Support Groups
Support groups may be a useful part of managing COPD and panic attacks because they let you know that you are not alone. They can also help you find new ways to deal with anxiety, panic, and COPD.
Practice Daily
Like anything you want to get good at, practice makes perfect. To get the most out of the techniques mentioned above, practice them on a regular basis―don't wait until you are in the middle of a panic attack to try and remember how to do them. Practicing these techniques several times a day, every day, will help you easily recall them during a panic attack when you need them the most.