Panic attacks are terrible, uncomfortable moments. They can be even worse if you don’t have any plan for dealing with them. Once you’ve had one, you never want to have one again; still, it’s a good idea to plan for the future. Here are some good ways to deal with panic attacks.

One way to beat a panic attack is to visualize yourself being outside your body watching what’s happening. Imagine watching as your body stops wheezing, or begins to calm down. This can help your body to literally react to what you see in your mind’s eye, bringing the attack to an end.

Try to look at what is happening to you during a panic attack and focus on reality. Either speak out loud or grab a pen and paper and start to clinically describe the situation at hand. Don’t look at anything that is fear-related as it’s probably not real anyway. Just focus on your body.

If you feel like you are prone to panic attacks, you should try to avoid to much caffeine and alcohol consumption. Both of these substances have been shown to cause an increase in the chances of a panic attack occurrence. Control the frequency of your attacks with this simple tip.

When you have a panic attack sit down and figure out how it’s making you feel at the moment. On a scale from one to ten to rate your feelings. Wait for a while and then rate your anxiety again. Continue until your anxiety is back to a 0.

Calm yourself during a panic attack with relaxing, positive thoughts. Visualize yourself in your favorite place on Earth, surrounded by people you love, doing something you enjoy more than anything else. You might imagine yourself at Niagara Falls at the Butterfly Conservatory, watching all of the gorgeous creatures flit around.

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.

If you live with someone who suffers from panic attacks, it’s important for you to know what to do to help that person during an attack. A panic attack can resemble a heart attack or other medical emergency, so it’s important to remain calm and make sure the person doesn’t need medical attention. If something in the surroundings triggered the attack, lead the person to another location. However, do not try to hold or restrain him. Talk to him reassuringly, but do not dismiss his fears or tell him that there’s nothing to worry about. Try to keep him moving or get him to breathe into a paper bag. Even if he doesn’t respond to your questioning, your presence will be enough to help him soon relax, as long as you remain calm and soothing.

Panic attacks sometimes stem from specific medical issues like irritable bowel syndrome or other disorders. Work with your doctor to treat medical issues that may contribute to your panic attacks. You may find that your panic attacks reduce in frequency when you are in good health and are not constantly worrying about health problems.

If someone you knows suffer from panic attacks, ask them about the symptoms so you can know when they are having an attack. Some common symptoms include erratic breathing or gasping for breath, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, trembling, nausea, hot flashes, sweating and chills. Be sure that the individual is not actually having a heart attack before you try to assist them in dealing with their panic attack.

When you have a panic attack it can be hard to stay positive, but it’s important to literally expect the best to happen. Expect that it will end quickly, that you’ll come out unharmed (you always do!), and that you’ll be able to work on your triggers so it doesn’t happen again. This small shift in thinking can be enough to get you through a little more easily.

When trying to deal with the racing thoughts and symptoms of panic, you should learn to accept your feelings rather than fight them. Those feelings will not hurt you and may even help you understand what is triggering your anxiety. Acceptance of them will move you towards an enlightening path.

Use these tips the next time you have a panic attack, and see which method works best for you. No one wants to have panic attacks, but knowing what you will do if you have one can provide some relief and comfort. Panic attacks can be uncomfortable, but if you have a plan in place they can be bearable.

Tips To Help With Panic Attacks was originally published on Spring