a small dose of Xanax would have been OK

I have had panic attacks that bad and it does feel like you are going to go crazy and that this will be then end and you won't recover but as you proved you do. Did you go into the restaurant or did you dive away? You did the best things you could do by doing your deep breathing and positive thinking. You could also call someone who you could jusy talk too until the attack subsides. You can also take a Xanax unless you know that they sedate you somuch you would not be safe to drive. personally my Ativan calms me down but does not sedate me to such a degree that I would not able to drive. Make sure you give yourself credit for powering through the attack it is not easy and takes a lot of work :)

Thanks for the advice...yes, I finally went into the restaurant...I was starving...LOL...GOD bless!

Hello! I have had attacks like that. It is awful. I feel sometimes drinking water and taking deep breaths don't always work. Sometimes counting backwards from 10 helps me try to slowly reduce my anxiety when I am in a state of panic. I am sorry to hear this. I try to think of each day as fresh and to start over. If you can try to imagine some relaxing place like being at the beach or whatever actually relaxes you.

i call this friend all the time she understands and talking makes it go away

I also recommend calling an understanding friend or family member. Plus, it's okay to take some Xanax and drive. Just know your limits. Glad that it ended for you and you ended up being able to go into the restaurant.

Thanks to all of you fine people for your great responses:) I am here for each of you too...I truly appreciate you all!

Understanding that it is a panic attack is one of the best weapons. If you truly understand that none of the things you're feeling will be the end, then it becomes much easier to control. It's always frightening when you're experiencing certain symptoms for the first time, or even just at a greater intensity.

Breathing helps. So does talking, even if it's difficult - it serves as a distraction. Ideally, have someone talk to you about a distracting subject, rather than what you're feeling. If you have a go-to person for help, let them know that when you need help with a panic attack, they should do most of the talking. Maybe have them tell you about a problem they're dealing with. Something where short, sympathetic replies from you would actually make them feel good too.

But above all, rather than fighting it, acknowledge that it is a panic attack and focus on an idea like, "Oh, okay. Let's see how long this one lasts."

Sometimes, panic attacks can be a good thing for me. When there's a buildup of...discomfort/weakness that feels unpleasant, then having a panic attack can be a release of that. A bit like vomiting when you feel ill.
If this is the case for you, maybe focusing on that can help.

Just found out a friend of mine suffers allot from panic attacks, thought I'd come on here to see how I could help should one occur around me. You lot are so damn courageous, just keep powering through and know your words not only help each other, but everyone who hears them.

Thank you.

Hi, I also understand you...have the same problem. I read a lot. I can recomend you some great books...like "Panic Away" (Joe Barry), "The Magic", "The Power" and "Secret" (Rhonda Byrnes) ..and Louise L. Hay...she is my favorite. Few weeks ago I bought her newest book "Loving Yourself to GREAT HEALT". Its great. There is also "The power is within you" and "You can heal your life". In these books you can find lots of "mantras", and you can learn how to think positive. Positive thinking is so very important to people with this kind of issues. :)
Kisses from Mediterranean :)*