i have HORRIBLE Panic Attacks…but i am getting better=)
when u experience one..what are the dominant symptoms that you experience?

I have suffered from panic attacks for 5 years….when they first started I would get dizzy, every negative thing I could think of would race through my head, I would get cold but be sweating, my heart would race, I would shake, and my chest would hurt….after years of living with it, I got sick of them and did alot of research and realized that they can’t hurt me….the best way to overcome them is to understand what they are and that they won’t hurt you. after you realize this, when you start to feel them coming on you will be able to ignore them and eventually your brain will become accustomed to this and they will pass within seconds with no problem….good luck and God bless you….

Is there any herbal remedies for panic attacks?

View the techniques for control of panic attacks, in section 8, in my website, at ezy build, below, which I created to contain all the information that there isn’t enough space for, here. Begin, on this first occasion, only, by holding your breath for 5, or 10 seconds: this will give you the confidence to realise that YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR BREATHING, but not pass out, or die (your autonomic nervous system resumes breathing, if you become unconscious). Understand Panic Attacks, and what triggers them, in your life (if it is unresolved anxiety, or stress, see sections 6, or 42, respectively). The paper bag method works for most people: try it.

If you are fairly suggestible, the following are reliable: http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/
Your last alternative is psychotherapy, to address its fundamental cause: read section 1, and examine the http://1-800-therapist.com/ website, and use the locators, and phone book. I used to suffer from panic attacks, until I questioned what had changed in my life, at, or just before that time, to trigger them. For some people, this is enough. These days, I have instilled the habit of, whenever a situation occurs where panic is likely, I visualise a large, "STOP!" sign, as vividly as possible, followed by repeating to myself: "stay calm" in my mind. You could try the same method. It usually takes 30 – 40 repetitions, for most people, to establish a new habit. I also suggest that you learn, then practise the controlled breathing technique, until competent, then employ it, at the very first sign of a panic attack.

Practice one of the relaxation methods on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed. Also, give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you. There is also a version for use in public places, (if you like, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples, but you would then be restricted to subvocalising: saying it to yourself in your mind). Section 53, and pages 2, 2.q and 2.o at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris also refer: "Even though I sometimes suffer from panic attacks, I deeply and completely accept myself." Note: the controlled breathing only helps with the symptoms (as do medications/herbal remedies): you need to address the underlying cause, and this requires some form of therapy, and Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy has proved effective.

Advice from a published psychiatrist on controlled breathing. (1.) Get a clock, or watch with a second timer. (2.) Practise for 5 minutes, 4 times daily, until proficient. (3.) Take a small breath in, and hold it, for 6 seconds. (4.) Think to yourself: "RELAX", just before breathing out. (5.) Try to feel a sense of releasing tension, as you breathe out. (6.) Breathe in for 3 seconds, then out, for 3 seconds. Try to make your breathing very smooth, and light, as you breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth, or nose. (7.) For the next minute, continue to breathe in, and out, every 3 seconds. (8.) Go back to step 3, at the end of the minute, and proceed through to step 7, doing this for 5 minutes. Use this at the very first sign of a panic attack starting, or any time you feel anxious, or tense.

Because many people can’t access/afford professional therapy, I include the EFT, and EMDR variant for them to try, free of charge. Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy is generally available in most areas, but EMDR (see section 33) may well be worth trying, and is becoming more widespread. (The following is a variant of EMDR therapy, which has been used successfully for those people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insomnia, and anxiety: it is easily learned, quick to use, yet can be very effective. It is currently the subject of much study by neuroscientists, to discover how it works. Don’t dismiss it, merely because it seems a little strange: give it a tryout!). Prior to using either of the methods in the above paragraph, or using it on its own, first sit comfortably, and take a deep breath.

Then, without moving your head, move your eyes from the left, to the right, and back again, taking around a second to do so (say: a thousand and one: this takes approximately a second). Repeat this procedure (without the words, although you can count, subvocally if you like) 20 times. Then close your eyes and relax. Become aware of any tension or discomfort you feel. Then open your eyes, and take another deep breath, and repeat step one, closing your eyes, and relaxing afterwards, in the same manner. Then, repeat the procedure one last time. Some people may find that this is all they need do. With experience, you may find that you can practise this in public, with your eyes closed, which greatly widens the window of opportunity for its use, and avoids attracting unwanted attention. Try having a cup of "Tension Tamer", herbal tea, by Celestial Seasonings, (from supermarket tea, or health food aisles) or make some at home, and cool, then bottle, and drink as needed (I find it so strong tasting, that I need to drink it quickly, followed by something like fruit juice, to take away the taste, but others may find it more tolerable). C(h)amomile tea is a more palatable option. As with all herbal/green teas, use lemon/lime, and/or a little sweetener (NOT ARTIFICIAL!!!) but no cream, or milk.

Xylitol, or Stevia is preferable, (health food stores) or fruit sugar (fructose, such as "Fruisana", from supermarket sugar aisles) or even a little honey.

Hi, I was wondering if anybody knows if there’s any over the counter supplements that can be used to treat Panic Attacks and/or depression? I would love to discover some sort of supplements or medicine that would help prevent social anxieties specifically. Maybe I should find some sort of breathing exercises to help keep my heart rate down.

If you’re looking for over the counter supplements to cope with the panic attacks, try St Johns Wort and Omega 3 Fish oil. These 2 supplements have shown to play an important role in brain function.

I get frequent panic attacks after my "run in" with a heart problem I had a year ago. Panic Attacks for me comes in waves and does not leave me for 3 – 4 days. It makes me feel very scared and depressed and I am edgy all the time. I keep feeling pain sensations in my chest, back and arm and can’t get over the feeling – that I am going to die or get a heart attack.
I did go to the doctor and my heart specialist. They can’t find anything unusual in my heart …they have given me some medications for this panic disorder – xanax – but that freaks me out and the withdrawal symptoms are awful. Thanks

a panic attack is the worst type of anxiety…
it means that you haven’t used proper coping mechanisms when the anxiety started as mild, then turned to moderate, then to severe, and lastly into panic attacks…

your symptoms such as your chest pains and other referred pain may be the result of your anxiety.
your body reacts to what you are feeling so your heart beats too fast, that makes your chest painful…(since it pumps faster and lesser oxygen-rich blood is circulated to the body)

think of ways to deal with your anxiety, so that you will not get to the panic state…because if ur already in the panic state, the anxiety meds (anxiolytics) wont work unless you lessen the level of your anxiety back to severe, then to moderate…then if possible to mild…
honestly, it is hard to do that..so people just try to pop anxiety meds..

xanax is a potent drug…(meaning its very effective)
but if it worsens your condition, if you feel worse after taking it, then that’s not the anxiolytic for you..
Diazepam (Valium) is a milder one….and yet effective
unless you’re not in the panic state…

so i hope that answers your question….take the drug once you feel you are a bit anxious..
but the best way to manage that is through non-pharmacologic means…

do some of your hobbies, make yourself busy
talk to your friends, eat, cook,
listen to music, enjoy yourself,
dealing with anxiety varies from people to people..
you just have to know whats the best coping strategy for you..

thanks

I’ve suffered from panic attacks since I was very little, and my first major panic attack was when I was in the middle of a very busy restaurant. Another one was on a crowded train on my way to work and my heart-rate jumped like crazy.

If anyone out there experience those similar reactions.. What are the best treatments for ending these Panic Attacks? THANKS!

Having my own experience, speaking with others, and reading literature, I learned that "panic" is a defense mechanism that protects us from over-whelming anxiety. The problem therefore, is not the "panic", it’s the underlying anxiety.

I would suggest that you look into the "release-valve treatment," as it helped me a great deal with my anxiety. Also, do your reading and studying to give you a better understanding of the main causes and treatments of panic attacks.

I suffer from Trichotillomania (an OCD) and it is getting worse. I also have anxiety nervosa and Panic Attacks. I have seen my doctor and I’ve been on Zoloft for 2 years now. I’ve also seen a Psychologists and tried various diets. I know my disorder relates to post traumatic stress. I exercise regularly which helps in some ways. Maybe I should try accupuncture or hyponotherapy. What is the most effective way besides trying to deal with my hurts and depression?

Therapy. Have you tried paxil, it is FDA approved now for PTSD. I think you need an anxiolytic for the anxiety. I am all for alternative therapies, whatever works.

Trichotillomania is pretty rare, I have only seen a couple of cases (5) in 20 years

My girlfriend has panic attacks. Her panic attacks have gotten worse since college started. School work is taking a lot out of her and causing her Panic Attacks to happen more frequently. I have no background on panic attacks and want to understand them more. I’ve read many things online but i can only learn so much from searching. What should I do? I wanna help my girlfriend.

I think all the help you can give her is to be there for her & have her calm down. She needs to help herself by going to a doctor to get on anti-anxiety pills until she learns to meditate & control her panic attacks on her own. She could try yoga or another form of meditation first though before resorting to pills?

My 15 year old daughter is having Panic Attacks which include feeling faint, becoming very hot, vision blurriness and fear. She recently was given glasses by our optometrist that are basically "placebos" because she didn’t need glasses but was convinced she did. I got some herbal supplements but I am afraid of the prescription medications for her. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Amy: Take a look at a natural remedy called Panicyl. It is effective yet mild and non addictive. Good luck – Ben

I have a friend who keeps having Panic Attacks, and is constantly afraid of crowds, new people and other such things. I’m really worried for her, and I want to know what I can do to help her, along with tips I can give her to help her get over the attacks and fear. I want my friend back, and healthy again. What can I do?

You could always watch out for your friend if he/she starts to feel uncomfortable with his/her surroundings.

here’s what you can do:
1) Be there, and remind/administer the steady breathing techniques when the panic comes surging in
2) Do consult a doctor/ behavioural psychology simultaneously for long term remedy of panic anxiety.
-Medication to help your physical state be in control over the attacks
-Therapy to control your fear and evade from another panic attack.

3) avoid consuming harmful substances

4) keep healthy by having a routine, fun physical activity.

for more information on overcoming panic attack, do visit :

i) http://panicattacktips.com/
ii) http://offto.net/ImmediateAnxietyRelief/

I get Panic Attacks and I want to help myself through them. What do you do to calm yourself down during a panic attack?

When I would have panic attacks I would start breathing irregularly. What really helped was breathing into a paper bag. I know it sounds cliche but basically when you start hyper-ventillating you are getting too much oxygen. Breathing into the paper bag forces you to slow down your breathing becasue you stop getting enough oxygen.

I also had someone I could call no matter what time of night it was who could usually talk me down out of my panic.

I also have medication (xanax) that I take when I start to feel a panic attack coming on.

And I have gone through DBT therapy to pinpoint WHY I feel so panicy and try to head off panic attacks (this has actaully worked the best for me as I haven’t had a panic attack in 3 months and don’t even know if the xanax would work becasue I have never had to take it)