TIPS FOR MANAGING PANIC ATTACKS

1. Keep in mind that although the experience is extremely uncomfortable and frightening, it is not dangerous. The sensations are normal bodily reactions; you will not go out of control, go crazy or have a heart attack.
2. Panic attacks are time-limited. They are usually over in a few minutes, if not sooner.
3. Try to distract yourself from what is going on inside you. Refocus your attention outside of yourself, for example, describe your surroundings, talk to someone, count backwards from 1000 by seven, do anagrams or crossword puzzles.
4. You can function quite well with high levels of anxiety, as long as you distract yourself, don’t fight it and let time pass.
5. Remind yourself that the terrible things that you have imagined in the past, rarely, if ever, have come true.
6. Learn to lower your anxiety through the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy. You can be taught techniques that will often lower anxiety immediately.