What should I do if I get an acute panic attack during COVID?

Studies showed that one in four Americans will experience a panic attack at some point in their lifetime. According to the National Institute of Medical Health, anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million Americans. A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense fear that can be predisposed by stressful situations and can be manifested by a feeling of impending doom, chest tightness, racing heart, dizziness, sweats, trembling, dry cough, muscle tension, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

There is now an additional challenge for panic attacks during the Coronavirus pandemic. A panic attack will usually pause after 15-20 minutes, but with COVID-19, symptoms will persist with sore throat, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Avoid hyperventilation by breathing slowly in a bag to avoid respiratory alkalosis washing out CO2, (Carbon Dioxide) which can lead to seizures or passing out. Empathy, being non-judgmental with sincere concern and compassion are very essential to gain trust and be able to navigate the acute anxiety attack. Positive thinking will help change the reaction of fear to a sense of calmness and peace to break the cycle of anxiety and the treatment of panic attacks. Start taking deep breaths in and deep breaths out for four counts of each. Take a 15-minute walk, do meditation, use Aromatherapy, use Costus oil to inhale as ( Aromatherapy) to help relaxation and relieve anxiety.

 https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/costus-another-important-immune-system-booster-adel/.

Focus on positive thinking, try to avoid negative thinking or staying alone by yourself during a panic attack. Contact your friends, family, colleagues to share positive talks and get distracted from the anxiety attack with writing, swimming, watching a funny movie, focus on things you can control at the moment of a panic attack. Not to worry about things that may or may not happen in the future.

Additional helpful steps, to stop smoking, do not drink alcohol, avoid excess caffeine intake. Get enough sleep, eat healthily, drink chamomile tea. Special emphasis on regular mediation and prayer for spiritual wellness.

This will help calm down the anxiety and abort the acute panic attack. If symptoms persist and worried about COVID-19, it would be useful to get tested to give peace of mind and assurance. This would be followed by seeking professional help from a mental health specialist including Psychiatrists and Psychologists. The most important thing you can do that you can give yourself a break from watching the news and surround yourself with positive people and optimistic friends. Now Telemedicine and helplines are available to call in and get immediate help on 24/7 bases to break the cycle of a panic attack, depression, and even suicide with feeling alone, or left out with a panic attack during a pandemic! Rest assured, you are not alone.

• Dr. Adel Eldin, MD, FACC, FACP, MBA, GGA
• Board Certified Cardiologist
• Founder, CEO
• Affordable Quality Healthcare Program
• www.prontocare.co
• Founder, CEO
• www.floridamedicaltourism.com
• Wesley Chapel, Florida
• Tel: 877-DR ELDIN