What can and should one do when having a panic attack to lessen the effects of the symptoms?

Focus on trying to slow down your breathing by taking long breaths. Try not to let your mind cycle through all the thoughts that are causing the attack.

1. Acknowledge it when it occurs. 2. Address the symptoms - stop what you are doing, sit down, take some deep breaths, have a drink of water or a cup of tea. 3. Let other people know what is happening to you.

Take deep breaths. In through the nose. Then, hold. Exhale through the mouth. It doesn't need to be loud or obnoxious-sounding. But it does help.

The first time I had a full blown panic attack, I called my therapist and he told me to focus on tangible things instead of recoiling back into my head. Try to drink some water and focus on anything outside of your head. Distractions are very key here. Also try being around friends because being alone is never good.

In order to take control over your panic attack, take deep breaths. If you're having shortness of breath, take a deep breath and hold your breath for 10 seconds; this may seem strange, but it helps to regulate your breathing. Lying down (if possible) is also very helpful. If in public, try to find somewhere to sit and just close your eyes, clear your mind, and practice the breathing technique described above.

Remove yourself from the stressful situation, take deep breaths and small sips of water. Concentrate on regulating your breathing.

close your eyes. breathe dee. think happy thoughts. it happens to me a lot. that helps way more than you'd think

Remember to stay calm. Focus on your breathing. In through your nose and out through mouth. Remember that it'll pass soon.

Focus on things around you, like what you see, hear, smell, touch, etc, normally making your mind think about these thing, it'll help stop focusing on whatever's making you panic or feel like your gonna panic.

In my own experience the grounding method works. When I feel that I'm having a panic attack so my heart beats too fast, I can't breathe and I want to cry, I try to note 5 things i can see, 4 I can touch, 3 I can listen, 2 I can smell and 1 i can taste. Many people experience panic attacks at least one time in their life, we are not alone. After the grounding method, if I can, I drink a glass of fresh water and try to relax myself thinking about things that make me happy.