Not much is known about panic attacks and many people aren’t convinced they exist until they have one. It can be difficult to know what you can do about them, but here are some solid steps you can take to make sure you can handle these attacks when they occur.

If you are prone to getting panic attacks, try to surround yourself with the people that love and care for you the most. When you begin to have a panic attack, these people will help to relax you. This can really help to reduce the severity and frequency of panic attack.

Anticipate your panic attack. If you have been suffering for panic attacks, you have to have a plan in place for dealing with them when they happen. You don’t want to be caught unawares, so know what you will do before you even start having a panic attack in the first place.

Pretend you feel great when you have a panic attack. Say out loud that whatever is bothering you is just fine. For example, “My heart is NOT fluttering! It’s beating perfectly and smoothly and I am so thankful for that!” Rotate around your body and truly believe in the words you say and they’ll come true in short order.

If you understand how breathing can change your mood, you can control your anxiety. If you lengthen or slow down the speed of your exhalation, your body and mind will begin to relax. If you slow down the speed of your inhalation, you will stimulate your body and your mind.

If you are prone to panic attacks, you know that complete avoidance of panic-causing situations is not always possible. Learn out of body techniques to remove yourself from the situation and allow you to view it as if you were watching television. What would you tell yourself to do? How would you provide comfort? Often placing yourself in the role of mentor or guide trying to help someone else deal with panic issues will get you through the worst situations.

Many people who suffer from panic attacks find comfort and reassurance in a support group. These self-help groups allow you to share your fears and concerns with others who can completely empathize with your feelings and help you find ways to effectively deal with the attacks. Joining a support group allows you to help yourself and help others simultaneously.

Don’t just listen to music when you’re having a panic attack, get up and dance! Dance is a great way to exercise and get rid of the adrenaline absorbed by your body, ending your attack in a most enjoyable way. If you know that you get to dance when you have an attack you won’t feel so scared about it!

One good tactic to use while you are in the middle of a panic attack is to lower your gaze. When our bodies enter a state of hysteria, our eyes are ultra-sensitive. This means that the lights and other things that we see can make things even worse than they are.

Say NO to your panic attack! When it gives you a negative thought, say NO! When it makes your heart flutter, say NO! Just keep saying NO until the feelings pass and the physical symptoms subside. If you never say “yes” or “okay” you’ll find that your attacks pass really quickly.

Don’t worry about being perfect! Is anyone you know perfect? Perfection is the invention of people who want to hold you down, and your mind will grasp onto such an idea and torture you with it. Let perfection go and instead embrace “good enough.” As long as things are good enough you’ll get by!

Picture the feelings you will be experiencing after the attack, the lack of anxiety, and the return to normal feelings. Imagine yourself on the other side and how these feelings affect your well-being. Focusing your thoughts this way can relieve anxious feelings and prevent an attack or allow a current attack to subside more quickly.

The mere thought of panic attacks are enough to stir them for many. Focus on something else, preferably a pleasant thought, or find a task that keeps you busy. These thoughts can actually bring on an attack. For example, if someone tells you not to think about pizza, pizza will be all you can think about.

In order to work through unpleasant, anxious thoughts, you must face them. Feelings are unable to hurt you, and you should use them to try to understand exactly what is causing your anxiety. Once you learn to accept them, you will find yourself on the road to understanding your anxiety.

Having a panic attack can be a bit scary, but when you have the tips above, it can be a little easier. Make sure to try each step when you have an attack to see which method works best for you. Find one that helps and finally feel a little better.

Available Medications Used To Treat Panic Attacks was originally published on Spring