A panic attack is an overwhelming episode of anxiety resulting from stress and other multiple bodily symptoms. It often leads to emergency care visits and affects quality of life. These attacks can be both minor or severe deliberating the overall well-being of your loved ones.
According to an Ohio-based anxiety specialist, Joanna Hardis:
“The more we attend to something, the more we’re training the brain to worry about it.”
Significantly, medication and therapy treatments can control its symptoms, but modern technology is also a potential aid. In recent years, medical alert watches have gained popularity as a valuable alert device. They provide reassurance and a way to seek assistance during a panic attack with its advanced features.
Symptoms of Panic Attacks; An Overview
Panic attacks are a discrete period of intense fear and discomfort. They are often characterized by a range of physical and psychological issues including blackouts or fainting. However, the symptoms vary significantly in terms of both.
The physical symptoms include palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills, and numbness sensations. On the other hand, physiological symptoms involve a feeling of derealization, depersonalization, and multiple phobias.
What can the Attacks do to the Sufferer?
According to a recent study by MentalHealth:
About 1.7 percent of the adult U.S. population ages 18 to 54—approximately 2.4 million Americans—has panic disorder in a given year.
Panic attack support is essential for individuals with the above-mentioned symptoms. These attacks typically leave the individual feeling drained and anxious. Moreover, their unexpected occurrence can be a result of triggered situations or thoughts. In addition, recurrent attacks can significantly disrupt life leading to a diagnosis of panic disorder or agoraphobia.
Benefits of Alert Watches for Panic Attacks
Medical alert devices offer several features that could be beneficial for individuals experiencing these attacks. While some of these devices have fewer features, an alert watch can accommodate all advanced features benefiting your loved ones.
Sense of Security and Independence
Medical alert watches offer a sense of safety and independence, making them especially beneficial for those susceptible to panic attacks. This reassurance alone may help decrease the frequency or severity of panic attacks. Moreover, the feeling of not being under strict watch is an added benefit for your seniors, as it allows them to stay relaxed.
Access to Immediate Assistance
During a panic attack, individuals may feel overwhelmed and unable to communicate effectively. A medical alert watch provides them with emergency access to help. Furthermore, this can be reassuring and can help de-escalate the situation.
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Advanced Features and Benefits of Smartwatches for Seniors
24/7 Health Monitoring
The continuous monitoring feature of these alert watches keeps your seniors alert about their sensitive vitals. Heart rate tracking allows them to know when the vitals are experiencing abnormality so they can connect with their caregivers timely.
Active Lifestyle
An active lifestyle for individuals dealing with panic attacks can prove beneficial. These alert watches with advanced features help them enjoy their everyday activities without fear of the sudden occurrence alongside the severity of these attacks. Knowing that assistance will be immediately provided keeps them calm during emergencies.
Automatic Fall Detection
A panic may also arise after a fall. A fall detection watch for seniors can immediately generate automatic alerts for caregivers. In addition, if an individual becomes unconscious after a fall and are unable to press the SOS button, alerts are still generated automatically.
Location Tracking
Medical alert watches come with long-range GPS tracking that assists in the panic situations of seniors with cognitive issues. Caregivers can easily track their whereabouts and stay relaxed from their loved ones’ side.
Medical Alert Watches and Their Need A Lifeline in Your Moments of Panic |
Limitations of Alert Watches
It’s important to know the limitations of medical alert watches in managing panic attacks. These watches should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health treatment. You must seek a professional for therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Moreover, Medicare does not cover these alert watches as they are considered personal gadgets.
Excessive dependence on the device could impede the growth of independent coping mechanisms for handling panic attacks. Furthermore, it is essential to use the watch as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for self-management strategies.
Wrap Up
Medical alert watches can provide a sense of security and a way to seek assistance during a panic attack. They can be a helpful resource for seniors, especially when combined with professional mental health care. However, it is important to recognize their limitations and avoid becoming overly dependent on them. Panic attacks are treatable, with a combination of therapy, medication, and supportive tools enhancing the quality of life.
Why Benefits by State?
BenefitsbyState.com have been assisting caregivers in supporting their seniors experiencing panic attacks. We ensure your seniors too enjoy an active lifestyle without any anxiety or fear of their aging challenges. In addition, our platform offers valuable insights into products that have benefited individuals over time. As well as the medical alert systems that prove to be beneficial for seniors.
