Have you ever had panic attacks and how did it impact your life and relationships?

[Anonymous]

I am looking for other perspectives to try to understand why to better handle them. I have had consistent panic attacks since I was 16.

[caring__1]

To prevent panic attacks, become aware of your first symptom. It can be different for each person. As soon as you become aware of that symptom, start very slow very deep breathing, all the way in and all the way out. As time goes on, you'll notice symptoms that precede the symptom you are aware of, so start deep breathing when you first notice the earliest symptom. This will get oxygen circulating throughout your body, diminishing the panic.

Once you reach the point of inevitability, don't attempt to stop it. It's like a sneeze or an orgasm. You can stop them before the point of inevitability, but you'll hurt yourself if you attempt to stop it after you reach it. If you caught it too late, just view it as a roller coaster ride and ride it out, knowing it will always come to an end and no one dies from them... no matter how much it feels like you will.

[caring__1]

The more you fight it, the worse it gets, so do your best to relax.

[jahaims]

Therapy would probably be tremendous help. Panic attacks are usually linked to some type of PTSD. Even if it isn't obvious. If you don't learn how to manage stress they are more likely to happen in different circumstances.

[Asker]

I do have PTSD and I am in therapy.

[Jessicajones4]

Have you spoken to your doctor about them