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IF SO, YOU HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON WITH A-LIST CELEBS Dr. Hafeez stresses to those who suffer from the panic that, “Nobody has ever died from a panic attack! A person may feel as if he/she wants to die, or death is imminent, but it simply will not happen!” How did Gisele Bundchen Reduce her Panic? As Gisele Bundchen has mentioned, her panic attacks subsided when she made lifestyle changes such as not drinking a bottle of wine per day, stopping a pack a day smoking habit, incorporating meditation, yoga, and cutting out sugar. After a few months, she says she stopped experiencing any panic attacks and had a new outlook on her life and her health.
k WRITTEN BY DR. SANAM HAFEEZ PSYD, FOUNDER AND CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATION PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, P.C.
dioxide in the blood. It is helpful to practice mindful breathing outside of panic attacks. This equips people who experience panic attacks with the techniques designed to stop them. There are apps and YouTube videos people can watch to practice breathing techniques for panic. “
What can you do to reduce and cope with panic?
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Calm Breathing Dr. Hafeez says that “Taking control of breathing is the first step to controlling a panic attack. The goal is to create a slow stream of air by breathing in and out. This prevents hyperventilation and a buildup of carbon
Another helpful strategy is learning to relax the body. This technique involves tensing and untensing various muscle groups. This lowers overall tension and stress levels that can contribute to panic attacks. Start with the feet and work up to your forehead. Tighten the muscle while taking a deep breath in, hold for a few seconds and then release the tension while breathing out. Move up the body, one muscle group at a time. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2018
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