For anyone who has experienced a panic attack, you’ll know exactly how horrible a feeling it can be.
While you may think there is nothing that can be done about it when it starts there are steps you can take to get through it a bit quicker and easier.
Breathing
While it might sound silly, our breathing can be one of the first things to be effected if you’re having an attack.
The feeling that you cannot breathe is one we convince ourselves is real but if you’re able to say “I can’t breathe” then you can.
Don’t worry so much about “taking deep breaths” and just concentrate on each individual one, however small.
Keep going until eventually you can take a deep breath comfortably.
Realise it’s a panic attack
Many people can convince themselves that they’re having a heart attack or worse.
Forcing yourself to acknowledge it’s a panic attack can help actually relieve the sense of panic and bring your adrenaline levels back down.
Focus
A panic attack can consume you so try focussing on something else.
Turn on the TV, play some music, get someone to tell you jokes. Make it loud and make it the focus of your attention.
Again this will hopefully help the feelings subside.
It will be over soon
If none of this works, just remember the attack will pass and keep telling yourself so.
