Panic attacks... :(?!

Panic attacks... :(?

I've had really bad panic attacks for about three years now. I am now 18 years old and i don't know what started them. I was just sitting in class, and i thought i was going to pass out... and then i just got really freaked out and started shaking.. ever since then.. it's been a fear of the fear of having them. :( i'm so afraid of them even tho i know they can't hurt you. Basically.. i've been to so many psychiatrists... and psychologists.. tried every behavioral therapy.. tried all of these medicines.. including klonopin and anti-depressants... some times during my life it gets better... then i just downfall altogether. I am afraid to drive more than five minutes away... and i'm afraid i won't be able to start college this year. I just get overwhelmed and am afraid i can't get to someone in my family quick enough to help me. it sounds so silly to people who dont' experience them... but i'm just so sad and feel hopeless... any tips that i may not have heard on how to fix this.. it's

1 week ago
ruining me... i just want to be normal again... like i wanna go with my friends on a road trip.. but i can't, becasue i'll freak out. I can't even sit in movies or get my hair done because i hate being in situations where i feel like i'll make a fool out of myself getting out of it... :( it's basically like i said.. the fear of having one.. is what makes it happen. it's a horrible cycle. please help me... someone :(

Hi! I’m so sorry to hear you’re feeling bad. I had panics for 15 years and found a profound change as soon as I started Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. The key to making it work for me was really working and sticking at it. The following 3 steps eliminated my panic attacks:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and social anxiety. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/... It has been funded by NHS Scotland and has had great results thus far.

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. This site has instructions on how to do it without the tapes (and other useful info): http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resource...

I hope this helps and you feel better soon. Don’t give up hope! Best of luck!