Panic Disorder (Page 1)

If you have a tendency to shallow breathe (hyperventilate) then learning some breathing excersizes maybe useful to you..... To help you, get a brown paper bag, and when you feel panicky place the bag over your nose and mouth, and inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth...Take even breaths, and gradually your breathing will slow and return to normal.

Apparently (i've never experienced these feelings myself, though I have had panic attacks) the feeling of doom/dying is common.... But it's not going to happen, you will not die from having an attack.

Hope this helps.


Also get to a doctor and ask to be referred to a anxiety clinic.

Hi Patty I noticed you are from Rhode island and wanted to say hi. I went to Newport last summer and had a wonderful time there.

I HAVE PANIC ATTACKS ALL THE TIME AND IT sacry AND I DON'T WISH THEM ON ANYONE. WORRYING CAN DRIVE YOU NUTS. iT AMAZING HOW OUR MIND WORKS AND WORRYING GET OUT OF CONTROL. i USE TO ENJOY LOTS OF THINGS NOW I RESERVE MYSELF LIMITS . i AM ON MEDICATIONS BUT IT DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. i HOPE SOMEONE INVENT SOMETHING TO GET RIDS OF PANIC ATTACKS ALL TOGETHER. I WISH EVERYONE SUFFERING TO OVERCOME these ILLNESS SOON. GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHOM SUFFERS.

I feel as though I am saying the same thing over and over again, but I think it is really important. Panic disorder is a serious thing, and it can be treated. There are many ways, some of which are listed here. However, you can never go wrong with seeking the help of a licensed psychologist. Cognitive behavioral therapy is right now the most proven way to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

Excellent advice Georgia, I feel the same way, but you can't say it enough in my opinion! Cbt gave me my life back.

i agree georgia. i don't know where i'd be if i had not gotten my cognitive training

Hey Cece, between you me and Georgia harping about the effectiveness of cbt I think we are getting some peoples attention and hopefully helping them get better

I used to be in your same situation, having two or three panic attacks a day.

First, get some xanax or valium from your doctor. This should be used ONLY to get back on your feet! a stepping stone to help you get it under control. Do NOT take zoloft or any of those other long term meds, the attacks will come back if you stop taking it and will bring along a nasty case of vertigo.
and then do these things while weaing yourself off the xanax
1 BREATHE... lots of breathing exercises, diaphramatic breathing helped me a lot
2 exercise, it helps with the stress
3 no caffeine, drink chamomile or herbal tea instead
fresh fruits and vegetables
4 supplements help a lot, especially st. johns wort, 5htp and holy basil. also valerian root and I also take magnesium and calcium, good luck!

Be very careful in using xanax and valium asa they can become a crutch and possibly make your panic worse in the long run.

Cognitive training is cheaper and better for you in the long run than tranquilizers

How about a two pronged approach then? Take meds to get your panic under control but don't be complacent as you start to get them under control and learn cbt to get lasting relief and off the meds later on

I did have them multiple times a day at my worst point and understand what you are saying. I think the advice about a two pronged attack is good but I would still try and go with anti-depressants rather than tranquilizers but that is just my opinion.

The less you use tranquilizers the better imo but sometimes they are needed for short term relief. I hope you give cbt a try along with whatever meds you take and you may eventually be able to eliminate all meds down the road then