How can I stop a panic attack from happening?

Peace of mind. Sharing thoughts. Facing fears to their end. These will help you to over come panic attacks. But you should be bold enough to face them.

When you believe you are about to have a panic attack, the first step is to breathe. The 4-7-8 breathing exercise is what has worked the best for me. Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold that breath for 7 seconds, and release the air through your mouth for 8 seconds. Keep repeating until you feel your heartbeat slowly returning to normal. While you are breathing, visualize air coming in through the soles of your feet during the first intake of air, imagine it swirling around your head while you're holding your breath, before finally traveling down your body and leaving through the soles of your feet as you breathe out. This keeps you feeling grounded and connected to Earth as often times panic attacks leave us feeling as though we are drifting aimlessly.

I usually try to stabilize my breathing. I picture I'm alone in my favorite place (usually a garden) and I breathe in for 7 seconds and breathe out for 11. I call it the 7/11 method. Keeping your mind clear and your breathing stable is the most import part. If it doesn't work, you can always come back here and chat! We would love to help you!

One of the main reasons panic attacks are often so debilitating is that you can't stop one from happening (usually). The only two things you can do are: prevent the panic attack or cope with it until it's over. Preventing a panic attack has a lot to do with understand what sets off your anxiety. Stay away from triggers, try to stay in your comfort zone, and since life isn't nice and orderly, develop a support network to help you in general when you do have to go outside into a triggering environment. Coping mechanisms for panic attacks vary wildly from person-to-person. Personally the only thing that worked for me was time, for others deep breathing, meditation, breathing into a paper bag, taking a nap, and many other things are their coping mechanism. Fighting a panic attack can often make it worse. It's here, it's happening, and once it happens accept it and start your coping mechanisms. That should help you recover from it as fast as possible.

Take yourself away from the situation if you can. Find somewhere you feel safe and concentrate on your breathing. Try to do square breathing. It would also be good if you did some practice when you're anxious, maybe try to look into mindfulness and other relaxation techniques when you are not under any pressure. I always used to find it good to keep reminding myself that I was not in danger and that I was in fact safe. Keep trying out new strategies, you will find one or even maybe a couple that will work best for you. Good luck! :-)

It's very rare for someone to be able to permanently stop panic attacks from happening, but instead you can begin practising meditation on a daily basis. It will be very challenging at first, but if you do this daily, you will get the hang of it, and will notice a long term improvement. Begin with realistic goals, like try and reach 20 seconds of meditation as your starting goal.

There is a technique called 'square breathing'. This is where you slowly pace your breathing by taking a deep breath for 4 seconds, holding it for 4, breathing out for 4 seconds and holding again for 4. Repeat however many times it takes for you to feel a little more relaxed. Controlling your breathing like this can help your body to calm down. It can be tough to do at first but the more you do it, the easier it gets and soon you might be able to control your panic attacks a little easier.

Hi! The intensity of the symptoms of a panic attack can be decreased by using techniques such as breathing exercises (correct belly breathing, inhaling slowly, holding the air in for a bit and then exhaling slowly). Reducing the amount of coffeeine in your diet, avoiding sweets and junk food, getting enough sleep, etc. Exercising and a healthy lifestyle lower your risk of having a panic attack. Stay strong, you will get through it, even if it's very unpleasant and it can feel like you're going crazy or dying, keep in mind that you will be alright... because you will.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Look around your room or wherever you are and see that everything is still in the same position as it was a few seconds or minutes ago. You may be panicking at the moment but once if all stops, you will realize that everything is still the same. If someone is in the room with you, ask them to hug you or hold you, especially if you are close to them. Ask them to soothe you with their words and their touch. That can also help a lot.

If this was five months ago I would have taken a couple of Xanax and in about three minutes the panic attack would have been gone. Now when I get a panic attack I will either 'surf' my way through it. Knowing what is going on makes it a little easier to deal with and dissipates quicker without medication. Breathing is also a big help, concentrating on my breath moves your attention away from the panic attack.