How can I calm down during a panic attack?

First of all, try to find yourself a place that is quiet. If you are in a crowded place, try to get yourself some space where you think you'll be comfortable. Now try to breathe deeply. Try to not breathe into your chest area but more with your abdomen, it will help you to relax your breathing and muscles. Once you've come to this point, ask yourself as clearly as you can what you are scared of in that moment. What is the worst that can happen? Is that fear you are feeling based on facts and the actual situation or could it be that you are thinking ahead already? Could it be that you are overthinking a situation? Try to answer your questions in your head or out loud, whichever way you feel more comfortable, and try to think as rational as possible. A lot of times the fear we feel isn't rational or real, try to make yourself see that. Remember to breathe. This is just my personal experience of course. I sometimes tend to calm myself down with soothing music or smells that put me in a good headspace, however that's just a personal preference. If you want to know more techniques on how to regain your calm after or during a panic attack, you can always read the Self Help Guide on this website, it is very informative and can maybe give you a new technique that works for you.

One of the best ways to calm down is deep breathing and focusing on each breath. Another tactic is to pick an object--can be anything!--and in a way play a mental game of describing the object in detail to yourself or the person you are with. With a panic attack you may feel there is no "way out", challenge those thoughts with a positive outcome. In time, this can change the anxious thought pattern.

Count your breaths, taking long deep breaths in and out. Or find a picture or spot on the wall to focus on while breathing.

You could try breathing, getting some fresh air, and perhaps seeking the company of a trusted and supportive person, either a Listener here on 7 Cups, or any person who is supportive and understanding for you.

One of the ways to calm down when you feel like you're having a panic attack is to do a deep breathing exercise. Try closing your eyes, inhaling for 4 seconds through your nose while slowly pushing your belly outward. Then exhale for 4 seconds while pulling your belly inwards. Repeat as many times until you feel less tension in your stomach. It is important during a panic attack to try and break the train of thoughts you are having. Try to find what is making you feel anxiety and whether the thought is based on fact or fear. Try to think about whether it's beyond your control. Sometimes we have to remember that there are things that out of our control and we need to take one step at a time so we don't get overwhelmed.

Panic attacks are horrendous but the first important thing to remember is that you will not come to any harm. The body is responding to your thoughts by going into fight or flight mode and surging adrenalin through the body. Personally, I find relaxation exercises on YouTube. Mindfulness meditations and body scans are especially good. These help me to get my thoughts and symptoms under control and eventually I can wind down. You must be compassionate with yourself and not punish yourself for uncontrollable thoughts. Also, try and get as comfortable as possible.

I usually lie on the ground and then do a breathing exercise. My favorite is tracing a tile or a square with my eyes and exhaling or inhaling for each side. I also sometimes call one of my friends and have them talk to me.

There are lots of ways to calm down during a panic attack! A great way is to find a way to bring yourself back to the moment. So this means, try to use your senses! Look at a picture of something you like! Smell a pleasant smell, like vanilla! Pet a dog or cat! Do something to bring yourself back to the here and now.

Breathe. Remember its ok to be also remember that your safe and nothing can hurt you

You should breathe deeply a few times, while thinking of something comforting. Try calming down completely and avoid the situation next time