"Which one of these symptoms best describe your feelings?"
Panic Attacks           General Anxiety           Fear of Flying           Fear of Driving

Tips For Managing Panic Attacks

Although the experience is extremely uncomfortable and frightening, it is not dangerous. The sensations are normal bodily reactions (your "flight or fight" response). You will not go out of control, go crazy or have a heart attack. Knowing this, and reminding yourself of this, is extremely helpful in your managing a panic attack.

Panic attacks are time-limited. They are usually over in a few minutes, if not sooner. Telling yourself that it will be over shortly can help stop a panic attack.

Distract yourself from what is going on inside you. Refocus your attention outside of yourself - describe your surroundings, talk to someone, count backwards from 1000 by seven, do anagrams or crossword puzzles. You can function quite well with high levels of anxiety, as long as you distract yourself, don’t fight it and let time pass. Do anything to preoccupy your mind helps you to cope with panic attacks.

Remind yourself that the terrible things that you have imagined in the past, rarely, if ever, have come true. This can help you in controlling panic attacks when they occur and lesson their impact on you.

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