yes, i have several episodes of panic attacks. during my first experience 2 years ago, i didn't know what the hell it was so i just let it go. but now that i'm fully aware of it, i would call any of my family and friends so that they can help me calm down and just listen to what i have to say. some times when i get on the train, instead of sitting right away, i would continue walking to the next car or stand up for awhile until i feel myself calm down.

are you constantly late for the train/plane? that does not help because it makes you more anxious. i surely did learn the hard way. i've been riding the train for over a year now, and i am just getting it now. meaning, i have to force myself to be early so that i don't kill myself with anxiety.

don't forget to breathe! you can do it!!!

not on busses but, going into a place where there is alot of people...

Oh yeah, used to have that fear of too many humans in one locale!LIke they were all just staring at me knowing I was feeling quite uncomfy in my skin. I'd been known to walk in a terrified stupor in a mall...made shopping oh-so-not-fun! Or have left a full grocery cart in aisle 8. Or rush out of the bank with three little kids in tow. I take antidepressants, and it helps. If I start feeling a little edgy, I just think..."I can kick her ass"....a little unconventional, but hey, works for me!

hi yea i get that all the time it never used to faze me before my anxiety/pannick hit me but now i avoid busy places buses etc its to much for me i start going funny my anxiety shots throw the roof an then the pannick attack i no how u feel i try to avoid busy places as much as i can or i wil put it of

I've found crowded places, esp public transport, difficult in the past.

The only way to overcome the fear is to accept it and face it over and over again. Everytime you avoid the situation / place / event, your just re-inforcing your (faulty) belief that there really is something to be scared of.

Get on the bus or train and feel scared, allow yourself to feel all the horrible feelings but stay on the train / bus, you won't die or go crazy! (no matter how much you think you will!)Let the panic come and do it's very worst, don't fight it or be scared of it, that's what keeps it alive. Say to yourself 'come on then hit me as hard as you can' (but really mean it) and you'll notice your panic doesn't get worse, in fact it starts to disappear. This is because your telling yourself that it's nothing to be scared of. And without fear it cannot exist. Period.

Takes courage and time but really does work.

Go for it!

actually, yes, it does occur more frequently when im running late for a appointment or my job.

usually, when im on a bus and don't find a seat, it doesn't bother me as much. when i'm on a train, and can't find a seat, i do start to lose it almost immediately, usually the light-headness and tightness in my throat.

the weird thing is most of the anxiety occurs after I leave work and head home. i would love to figure out how to control it on the way home.

lots of times

I am a 20 year old male residing in NYC, and grew up dealing with public transportation on a daily basis, however as easy as it was for me in the past has changed with current panic attacks i've been experiencing, you feel overwhelmed in your own skin, unable to relax, its part mental ,part physical, and definitely not easy...i feeling of loss of control, or a loss of pace

I did at one time. The best thing you can do is what you are doing. Keep facing it and it will go away. That's how it worked with me.

ugh. had one this winter. the bus was crowded past capacity and i had forgotten my music player (it helps), the woman beside me was having a loud phone discussion about her parent's messy divorce and it was almost too much.

these days i do not get on public transportation without music. it's a cop-out, but a necessary one.

Hi to all - I am 40. Thanks a ton to you all to share the stuff as I am suffering this phobia since 5 years and I am very ashamed to share with anybody else hoping this might be crazy story to others, but today I read all the above columns and that exactly what is happening with me. Whether it is a taxi-car, public bus, metro train or even a lift - I felt like the doors will never open and I will die. If the metro is crowded then it becomes too much for me. The only way I overcome is by closing my eyes and starting praying god and start thinking of some other things. This is the only way I travel from my home to office. Now this phobia is becoming more complicate when it is starting with me at home also. What to do don’t know at all.

I am sorry about your panic, but you're in good company here! I would play a game on my phone to keep me distracted or watch a funny video on my phone. I get anxiety when I drive anywhere and it is the worst! Also, when you're on your way home from work, your body is still so wired from your day. Maybe you can "unwind" a little before you get on the train. Good luck :)

Hi dear, u should consider seeing a therapist, what's the worst that can come out of that, aim Praying for you. I started seeing a therapist again about 2 months ago . The right one can be very instrumental, they just give you a new way to view life from a conducive manner.