Dear PerthFox~
Having a panic attack is a terribly frightening thing, and I guess most of us immediately think it is a heart attack or something similar. Like Kanga I've had them for a very long time however nowadays they are very rare. It does get better.
I'm very glad to hear you have been to the doctor and are starting therapy, it certainly is the best approach. I've had to use medication too, but that's just me.
I'm told they are a flight or fight response that gets out of control and are set of by particular things and are a symptom of an anxiety condition. Kanga has given you a couple of pretty good bits of advice in firstly realizing it is a panic attack, it won't last, it won't harm and you can get thought it. The more often it happens the more you will know you come out the other side OK.
People have differing breathing techniques, my timing is slightly different to Kanga's, however the idea is to slow breathing down which not only has a calming effect in itself but restores the oxygen balance that quick breathing upsets (I end up with pins and needles otherwise)
I try realy hard to keep on going wiht what I'm doing (provided it is not going to be dangerous) so for example if I'm washing up I'll try to not let it beat me and have to stop. For me this is very important, it puts the attack into perspective.
If you can identify the stressor that sets it off so much the better. Living a healthy lifestyle does help, this includes nutrition, exercise and good sleep. It also means avoiding harmful levels of alcohol, coffee and also any recreational drugs (given your views about meds I'm sure this would not apply).
If you can speak frankly with someone that cares and wants to help it does take some of the pressure off, particularly if they can reassure you during an attack.
I've found that when my life has more than usual putting pressure on me I'm morel likely to have an attack, do you think there is anything in your life at the moment to do the same for you?
Croix
