I just had a couple of horrible panic attacks...?!

I just had a couple of horrible panic attacks...?

I was shaking, heart racing, short of breath...etc. It's over now, but my chest (more specifically, my heart area) feels a little tight. I feel better, though..is this normal? It usually happens when I have an attack but I just wanted to make sure. I've been stressing thinking I have heart problems but my mom, a nurse, assured me it's just part of the anxiety disorder/panic attacks. Anybody else have anxiety issues?

3 weeks ago
Oh, and I am in therapy

It’s so horrible, isn’t it? I used to have panic attacks (for about 15 years). They stopped after I took a course of Cognitive Behavioural therapy (a specialised form of therapy). If you are currently doing CBT then stick with it! If you are doing traditional therapy, then try CBT!

CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks (and for a lot of other things). It takes a bit of work, but I have found it to be super effective.

You can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/elear... It has been funded by NHS Scotland and has had great results thus far. A ‘prettier’ version of this type of programme can be bought at www.thewellnessshop.co.uk. If you don’t like computers, the best book is Dr Robert Burns, The Feeling Good Handbook. It is brilliant and used by many psychologists. Also see http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resource... for good anxiety work sheets and information.

All I can say is CBT changed my life. I had to put in a lot of work, but my panic attacks have been virtually eliminated. I also did relaxation exercise tapes 2 or 3 times every day for a year. I still do relaxation exercises from time to time.

If you are overwhelmed by information, remember this: control your breathing and you control panic. If you manage to regulate your breathing it is impossible to get a panic attack. Breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out. Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area).

Good luck!