What are the causes of anxiety attacks? If you have ever had an attack of anxiety, you do not have to be told that it is a very frightening event.
While it is happening, it is difficult to remember that the episode itself cannot hurt you.
However, that does not mean that you would ever want to go through another episode.
The baseline of anxiety attacks, often also called panic attacks, is an abnormal level of anxiety.
It is natural to have anxiety now and then.
Usually, however, our anxiety is within normal ranges, and is manageable.
After a brief period, we get on with our lives.
Unfortunately, some individuals experience anxiety levels that are so strong and long-lasting, that normal daily activities are totally interrupted.
To further compound the problem, the anxiety episodes may occur almost every day.
If you go to a doctor for treating your anxiety, you would probably be prescribed some drug-based medications.
But most medications have at least some side effects, so this is not the best way of treatment for a lot of people.
Among the most common drugs used in treating anxiety are drugs that fall within the antidepressant class.
These type drugs effect the parts of your brain that manage your emotions and moods.
Some other alternative medications are mild tranquilizers, which are intended to keep you calm.
A third group of commonly used drugs are the beta-blockers.
These control the outward, or physical, evidences of anxiety attacks.
These drugs can all be effective.
However, some only work after a period of time.
As with most drugs, side effects can occur, and can be severe.
Common side effects such as nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and even dependency can occur in some people.
Also, keep in mind that anxiety can re-occur and even increase for a period of time.
Nowadays, there are a number of more natural and holistic ways of treating anxiety.
Increasingly, more sufferers are seeking these types of methods.
Some of these natural methods of treatment are:

• One of the commonly used therapies is (CBT), or Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
  This therapy involves changing behavior and thought processes.
  It can be used on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting.
  Through role-playing, writing journals every day, inwardly evaluating behavior and feelings, relaxation and the like, CBT seeks to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
  
• Another natural method of treating anxiety has been around for thousands of years.
  Meditation can work, but to be effective it needs to be practiced and mastered.
  The best results are achieved when you are taught the intricacies and best ways of meditating.
  The advantages of meditation are the calming effect, the ability to control your thought patterns, and the practice of turning negative thoughts into positive ones.
  
• Treating anxiety by utilizing special breathing techniques is used by many people.
  Slow, measured breathing, is the goal, rather than the deep chest breathing (which may actually result in the opposite effect).
  The most important thing to remember in all these breathing exercises is to breath with your diaphragm, rather than the chest.
  This is the deep breathing that is most beneficial, using the muscle that was designed for exactly that.
  
• Diets that are acidic have been found to contribute to a tendency for anxiety in many people.
  Salt, sugar, processed foods, dairy products, and alcohol are all foods that need to be consumed in moderation, since they can increase your acidic levels.
  Protein should be eaten in moderation as well, depending on your job and lifestyle.
  Fresh fruit and vegetables are all alkaline, which can help to reduce the acidic levels in your body.
  
• Not fearing your next anxiety attack is another way of effectively treating anxiety.
  A fearful nature will increase your odds of having an attack, due to its being a source of anxiety unto its own.
  This fear, combined with any other stress, can serve to bring on an attack.
  The result is the never-ending cycle of anxiety...
  then fear...
  then anxiety attack.
  And this cycle repeats over and over.
  The goal of treating anxiety is to break this cycle.