Dear TimTams~
Panic attacks are a misplaced 'fight or flight' reaction and while you do have real fears, these attacks only make things harder, and are frightening in themselves. I thought I was having heart attacks. They are something you can deal with. I've had them too and persevered.
The physical symptoms are at least partly controlled by breathing exercises. Breath in slowly though the nose as much as is comfortable. Hold it until you feel you have held it a reasonable time, then exhale slowly though the mouth. Bear in mind you are breathing deeper than normal, so you need to breath more slowly. If you don't you get an oxygen imbalance with maybe tingling of the extremities.
It takes concentration.
The knowledge it is a panic attack, nothing fatal, and passes helps a lot. you have survived before. If at all possible try to keep on doing wahtever it was before the attack started - be stubborn. I've kept walking, or sweeping, or whatever. I do not suggest driving.
I have found anger can be a constant help. It gives fuel to energy and helps reduce the thoughts of what might happen.
The free phone app Smiling Mind is useful, in my case very much so, though it does take practice.
The other things are not so easy. Firstly if you have a clear danger you can point to and verify then yes, go to the police. Verification is important, another person who saw the same event is good. Maybe this time you will meet someone reasonable. Yes there might be another bad experience, I hope not. They may still not be able to do anything, it depends.
No, not a satisfactory answer from your point of view, I know that.
The second is to get medical treatment for your experience. It does take someone skilled in that area, not every psych or psychiatrist is right for that . I agree expense is a limiting factor. You have been injured and need to be whole again.
While you may not be able to do much about circumstances, perhaps you can make yourself stronger, better able to deal with things.
Croix
