How do you cope with panic attacks?

[Chloefer]

Hi, today I had my first panic attack in about 3 years and I couldnt remember the best way to deal with it. I ended up sitting by a wall outside a pub looking drunk... So yea any ideas on how to prevent them or how to cope when having one?

[AuctionGirl]

Everyone has their own pet methods, but the standard one is breath control. Breathe in to a count of five, hold it for five, out for five, hold for five and so on. It slows your heart rate and prevents hyperventilation. Also try to distract your brain. I find counting (particularly in a foreign language!) helps as does singing to yourself. Granted, the latter might only add to the looking drunk effect! Hope that helps.

[Chloefer in reply to AuctionGirl]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I will try these if it happens again. x

[lottysunshine]

a bit of serious cleaning if at home ! otherwise counting and distraction techniques . hot bath, cooking ..

[F_Shadow1]

Yeah focusing on breathing is a good one and distract yourself with literally anything; people watching, daily activities, listening to unnecessarily loud music sometimes helped me too! Also helps to have things with you that you might need, like for e.g i always liked to have water with me when i had panic attacks, so now i take a bottle of water wherever i go, just makes things that bit easier... sometimes looks ridiculous depending on the situation but if it helps then it doesn't matter!!