How do you stop symptoms of Panic Attacks?

Question

I just developed panic attacks and i fear that im going to die. I been having them for 3 weeks and about 4 times a day lasting 4-6 hrs everytime. It feels so bad so i want them to go away. Also the deep breathing makes it worse. The panic attacks seem to worsen right before i laydown or as im trying to fall asleep.

Songs seem not to help. Relaxation doesnt seem to work all the time.

Answer 1

I get this a lot before I'm going to bed as well. Suddenly I'll start thinking I'm going to die, then I feel like my heart is racing, etc etc. Start thinking I won't wake up and then it gets even worse! It's a vicious cycle once it begins, but you know that.

You need to just tell yourself when it begins "This is just a panic attack. This is just my mind. This is all in my head so I cannot die."

I know it's really hard to get this thought process going when you're in the moment, but you have to force yourself, basically.

Yes, deep breathing makes it worse because you end up taking deep, fast breaths which can make you light headed when you're not even having a panic attack, let alone when you are.

You should also look into getting help. There's a source for these panic attacks and you need to figure them out. Once you find why, you can start fixing it.

Answer 2

This looks like Panic Disorder, not just Panic Attacks. The difference doesn't really matter to you at this point though.

4-6 hours 4 times a day is nearly all day every day. This is severe. You badly need to see a psychiatrist. Your symptoms are severe and unreasonable and you deserve some relief. Saying "you need to relax, listen to some calm music" is not going to cut it. That's like trying to pull out a weed by the tip of the leaf.

There are some types of medication that can temporarily relieve some of these symptoms. The most common are benzodiazepines.

Once you have your severe symptoms under control, you will need a therapist who can help you plan a gradual regimen of exposure activities to the types of things that may typically trigger these attacks.

Answer 3

If you are having panic attacks 4 times a day lasting 4-6 hours, that's all day long. I don't understand how you can be sleeping at all? I believe you but it probably just feels that long as they are awful. Go to an ER if you have too, or get in with your Dr. right away to see what is going on. If breathing is making it worse don't do it. There are several different breathing techniques. Get some help ASAP

Answer 4

Set up an appointment at The Dept. of Behavioral Health. They can examine you and get a better diagnosis than anything you might learn online. You need a doctor to examine your symptoms and to diagnose your problem. Then think about medications. I've been a client at Mental Health for some years due to a similar problem.
Good luck.

Answer 5

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 6

It depends, if it's accompanied by ruminations (recurring negative thought spiral you can't shake) then you can use a technique called "thought stopping" which works pretty well when done right.

If it's general anxiety then 1/2 hour of exercise per day can make it much easier for you at night. After a few days of this you will notice real improvement.

Answer 7

I was the same. One night out of the blue one just hit me. I ended up in hospital and on Valium for 4 months. It's all to do with depression usually. So what i did was to recognise the symptons (what i mean by that is to start slow breathing when you feel it and concentrate). I then just learned to control it. I know this worked for me as i drive a lot at work and every time i crossed the Dartford Bridge i used to feel an attack coming on. I wanted to drive off the fecking thing just to try and get rid of the feeling.
Now - i still get them. I see them coming. I have cut down on binge drinking (Thursday to Monday) because that brought them on big time, and it is part of my life. But now i control them and they no more control me! Good luck!

Answer 8

I have panic attacks most every day. Sit down and tell yourself, "I've been through this before, and I was fine. This is the same, and I'll be fine." It always works for me almost instantly. You need to reassure yourself to make it go away.

Answer 9

I've been told that if you hold your breath for 10 seconds as soon as you feel the slightest symptoms, it will stop. I know that it'll be hard and you might feel like you are killing yourself, you are really helping yourself. Good luck! ;)

Answer 10

You need help for your panic attacks.