What is the best think to do if you have a severe panic attack?

Hello,

I am so sorry Von, what I do when I am alone and have taken my meds is breath into a paper bag (not for too long though, I do not know if it is the best thing but it is the quickest)... it does work for me.
I know it feels like you are having a heart attack, in that case, just to be safe , have your husband take you to the Hospital or Call 911, safety always comes first in my books.
I, from experience, have ended in the Er, they are awful... I empathize with you my dear friend.-

Have a terrific weekend Von,

A.-

Slow, deep controlled breaths can help. Take a deep slow breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Count 3-5 seconds for each inhale and exhale if you need to so you can control and not breathe too quickly. Remember that panic starts the fight or flight cycle so slowing your breathing will help you to ground yourself. Also remember progressive relaxation and guided imagery we were taught in school. I find that the breathing and progressive relaxation work best for me. At times I do use imagery and imagine myself on the beach or in a quiet forest and describe to myself all the sights, sounds and smells. This helps me to calm myself and also helps reduce my stress levels. I use these on nights I find it difficult to sleep too.

hey Von-1, I have done the breathing in the bag trick and it usually works. maso gave you the first thing to do. I try to recognize the very first signs I am about to have 1 and start the slow steady breathing too. I get sort of a disconnnected from real life feeling. I can't remember if it was community member Psyched or jk13 who gave a very detailed account of what exactly happens with one, but it entailed how any sense can become stronger and your heart races, too much oxygen, extreme paranoia, sweaty palms, numbness, they all add up and make you feel that you are dying/or have died and just haven't fallen down yet. You could try pq'ing both of them to ask them if you would like the exact transcript. It was 1 of those 2 tho. Did you get your hormones checked, imbalanced hormone increase the severity and frequency of panic attacks. Be sure to sit or lie down when it first starts happening. Luv ya, pattishan

Hi Von,
I have panic attacks anytime I have to leave the house. I just feel like I'm shaking from the inside out and it's visible which is embarassing. I start panicing 2 days prior to my appointments. I take my medication to help me with my nerves an hour before I leave just so I can put my make-up on and get dressed which was picked out 2 days earlier. If I have a strong attack I'll ask my husband to hold my hand and let me ramble on about anything though if I feel dizzy or I'm having trouble focusing, I'll let him walk me out to my car and let him finish shopping. I even go to grociery shopping on rare occasions at 4:00 am so I don't have all those people around me. Sometimes I'll go to the ladies room, check my face while I give myself a pep talk. You are just going to have to try different things to see if they work for you. My thoughts will be with you. Peggylee

Awh hiya V,
My friend i'm so sorry you had an attack yesterday,i'm late with my replys tonight,i hope you are ok.
I know how rotten the panic attacks are,but just try to breath slowly,deep breathes in and out,and the paper bag works aswel,i know its easier said when you are not having one but do try hun,try not to get stressed,i know AGAIN its easier said but you need to take things easy!! Lots a hugs x