Several studies have found that cigarette smoking increases the risk of panic attacks and panic disorder in young people. While the mechanism of how smoking increases panic attacks is not fully understood, a few hypotheses have been derived. Smoking cigarettes may lead to panic attacks by causing changes in respiratory function (e.g. feeling short of breath). These respiratory changes in turn can lead to the formation of panic attacks, as respiratory symptoms are a prominent feature of panic. Respiratory abnormalities have been found in children with high levels of anxiety, which suggests that a person with these difficulties may be susceptible to panic attacks, and thus more likely to subsequently develop panic disorder.

About 30% of people with panic disorder use alcohol and 17% use other psychoactive drugs. While alcohol initially helps ease panic disorder symptoms, medium- or long-term alcohol abuse can cause panic disorder to develop or worsen during alcohol intoxication, especially during alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Most stimulant drugs (caffeine, nicotine, cocaine) would be expected to worsen the condition, since they directly increase the symptoms of panic, such as heart rate. Cannabis commonly precipitates panic in panic patients.

This is my story.
I had a near death experience (or so I thought) with drug OD. My triggered was that I’m so sure I’m going to die and want to get to hospital as soon as possible. As I live in the city, getting to hospital is considered a problem with major traffic jam here and there. This is what created a scar mentally and fixed a trigger system in my body and mind. But that’s the past. I now have panic attack and it comes and goes.

I have look around internet with little help on curing my panic attack but plenty of info about the facts. One fact that most of the websites didn’t show is that no one has ever died from Panic Attack! That’s the word from my professional GP and physiatrist.

My experience:
I can’t be in a crowded place. I can’t be stuck in traffic jam for a long period of time. I can’t explore new place without getting worried.

Of all this years, I have found thing which can help me minimized the impact or help me calm down. I do a lot of driving due to my work. So I would always have a bottle of anti-anxiety spray (natural herb) in my car. I never like the idea of having another dose of drug in my system to help me combat anxiety and make me drowsy and like a dumb walking stick without any feeling! If I’m going travelling, I will always have them in my pocket. Another trigger is when I’m hungry and all of sudden lack of energy. For this, I’m always prepared with a choc bar or anything which can help you boosts some energy, but stay away from Red Bull. If you have no choice and have to take public transport (crowded), have some soothing music handy or your fav band/album in your iPod. Listen to them along the journey and if possible try to sing along (quietly – not in front of all those people!). This is to keep your mind occupied. Have a mint or something as well to help relax.

If all this fails, then this is what I do. I will start calling my close friends and tell them of the situation, you will need to tell them that so that they understand. I would normally ask my friend to talk about something, ask question, so that you can have your mind occupied. It works for me.

Timing is an essence itself, for my case. If crowded place triggers panic attack…and that you need to do some shopping, then go at time when it’s not peak time, e.g. lunch time or after 6pm. If it happens when you’re in a long queue at checkout, for me I would just drop the item to front desk and tell them I’m having panic attack and will have to pick up the item later. Then go to somewhere quiet and relax yourself.

All the above are just temporary solution when it happens. To summarize it, you will need to change your lifestyle.

Natural Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies

Below are some of the natural herbs and homeopathic which can help you minimize anxiety and stress and improve overall mood as well as preventing symptoms of panic attacks. You may use it solely on its own or in combination with therapy.

Lemon Balm, Lavender and Passiflora – some natural remedies with positive results for relieving panic attacks and anxiety.

St John’s Wort - regular use of St John’s Wort will increase a sense of well-being and reducing and eliminating the occurrence of panic attacks. Please seek advice from your GP first.

Scientist has also found out that there has been a strong correlation between anxiety/panic disorder and the levels of certain vitamins and minerals. These are some of the supplement which can help you rejuvenate the balance in your body:

Bad Breathing Causes Anxiety and Panic Attacks
When you’re scared or spook, Rapid shallow breathing will normally occur and will cause hyperventilation and this happens when more carbon dioxide is breathed out than the body is able to manufacture. The symptoms may include dizziness, tingling, chest tightness feeling with rapid heartbeat, feelings of unreality and also inability to think clearly. Does that sound familiar? When this happen, always remember to inhale through your nose and exhale through your nose or mouth.
Practice abdominal breathing when you are feeling quite calm and relaxed so you know you are doing it correctly.

Try to Slow down your breaths to 6 to 10 breaths a minute using a watch.
Notice when you are shallow breathing or when you hold your breath and immediately take a couple of deep abdominal breaths.
When you start to feel anxious just remember to push your stomach out as you take a breath.

The nervous system is also bolstered by the action of the B vitamins, during times of stress in particular- the body makes rapid use of these substances. The increase in the lactate content of the body is also stabilized at certain times by the use of the B vitamins taken in supplemental form. Among all the vitamins, the B6 is considered to be the most important vitamin. The susceptibility of a person to anxiety and panic attacks can also be reduced by taking supplements of the essential minerals calcium or magnesium, the deficiency of one or both of these in the body will increase the likelihood of a panic attack affecting an individual. Proper nerve function and relaxation in the body is promoted by the essential minerals calcium and magnesium when they are taken on a regular basis. A deficiency of the essential mineral magnesium is caused by a poor diet and the abuse of alcohol-this produces nervousness and irritability in the person.
An irritated nervous system has traditionally been treated using the herbs such as passion flower, the valerian, the St. John’s wort or the lemon balm as herbal remedies. These help relax and soothe the nervous system in the affected individual. Usage of these herbs by the sufferers will also aid in giving that person a good night’s rest and will relax him or her in general