Panic Disorder is marked by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks and affects over 2 million Americans each year. 

Panic attack sufferers often feel that they are “going crazy”, having a heart attack or dying.  Please rest assured that none of the above is true. Panic attacks are a nightmare but they are very treatable.    

If you are having a panic attack you may experience physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, a racing or pounding heart, flushes or chills, sweating, trembling or shaking, the feeling of choking, chest pains, abdominal discomfort or nausea and dizziness and lightheadedness. On a mental level you may think that you are going crazy or that you are going to lose control.  You may think that you are about to die or having a heart attack. You may experience depersonalization (a feeling of being distant from oneself) or derealization (feelings of unreality) .  On an emotional level panic attacks are terrifying and traumatic in and of themselves. 

When a panic attack comes it can feel like it lasts an eternity.  The truth is that most panic attacks only last minutes (usually about 10 minutes). 

I find it useful to use affirming statements when experiencing a panic attack.  Statements that seem to ease the pain a bit include:

• This too shall pass.
• This is an uncomfortable feeling but it is not life threatening.
• I have been through this before and I have survived.
• I will survive this.
• What I am feeling is a normal response to the stress and trauma I have been through.
• I can handle this.
• I am not going to lose control, I will be fine.
• I am strong and capable.

It is normal to feel afraid after a panic attack.  Panic attacks are a terrifying experience.  You may wonder when or if a panic attack will strike again.  If you experience persistent thoughts about when the panic will come again for a month or more, worry about the implications of the attack for a month or more, or experience a significant change in behavior due to the attacks for a month or more you may want to seek help to ease your pain.  Panic attacks can be treated. 

In order to treat consistent panic attacks a doctor may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication such as Ativan, Valium, Xanax or Klonopin.  These medications may make you sleepy, but they will certainly relax you.  Antidepressants like Zoloft or Paxil have also been found useful in treating anxiety disorders and panic attacks, particularly if your panic attacks are accompanied by depression. 

In addition to medications your doctor can prescribe there are many natural alternatives for treating anxiety.  Herbs like Kava Kava and Valerian have proved effective in minimizing the effects of anxiety and panic.  These herbs may also make you sleepy which can be a beneficial side effect at night. 

I highly recommend Bach Flower Essences for anxiety.  There is a special blend of five flower essences called Rescue Remedy that I have found essential to my healing.  Rescue Remedy contains the essence and Star of Bethlehem that minimizes feelings of shock and trauma, Clematis for the tendency to pass out and be far away mentally, Cherry Plum for the fear of mind giving way and fear of breakdown, Impatiens for the nervous tendencies, and finally Rock Rose for frozen terror and panic.  Unlike prescribed anti-anxiety medications, Rescue Remedy does not make me sleepy.  In fact I find that I can function quite well on it which can be important when I need to be alert.   Rescue Remedy costs about ten dollars and can be found at most health food stores. 

When faced with anxiety and panic and it necessary to good health to find ways to relax.  These might include preventative measures such as meditating daily, practicing progressive relaxation techniques or some form of exercise.