panic attacks

[sophie21]

when i suffer i tend to run is it better to stay where i am and let it take its course and fight it. will anything bad happen if i do so

[Morgus]

I suffered from very bad panic attacks and luckily was referred to a specialist. The attack is basically a 'fight or flight' response that one gets in a stressful confrontation situation: heart rate increases, and breathing quickens and the muscles tense as they prepare to fight or run for it etc. Thankfully the chemical that causes this is only available for short periods of time, so after 20mins or so it is totally exhausted and by default you then become calmer again. I was told that the ideal therapy for panic attacks that occur in busy places would be for the suffer to enter the situation and just stand there experiencing it for a couple of hours. This is called 'flooding' and retunes your body to accept that the situtation isn't impossible to face, but it's the hard way to tackle it and extremely uncomfortable for the suffer. Best to see a psycologist or speak to an organization like MIND, or similar and learn the techniques that enable you to control the attacks. With a bit of practice they will eventually lessen and you can carry without the fear that they will overwhelm you again. Best of luck!!

[misslideaway]

I suffer from panic attacks and in the last year have learnt to curb them. I always found that when it happened to me, regardless of whether I was sitting watching the tv or walking down the high street, I always stood up and got away from where I was. Its not a bad thing to do this, just go with it. Your mind is trying to make you feel safer, so get out of the situation you are in. Fighting it sometimes made me panic more. Tell yourself that the way you are feeling is due to a panic attack. Remind yourself that the feeling will pass soon. I found that carrying a brown paper bag helped. You can use this to stop yourself from hyperventilating, but I very rarely had to use it, just the knowledge that I had it made me feel more in control. Breathe in through your nose, hold it for a few seconds and out through your mouth. I always found that this helped to relax my breathing. Explain to your friends that this happens to you and tell them to stay calm when you start to panic. Seeing someone else freak out whilst having a panic attack aint good. But finally, see your doctor, explain the panic attacks to him/ her. Doc may refer you to a counciler or give you medication. This all helps. Good luck.