Firstly, I would definitely seek out some kind of therapy as soon as you can to help you with this.

In the meantime, you have to come to terms with the fact that you cannot stop panic attacks from coming until you allow them to run their course. It sounds like you are getting frustrated because you cannot stop them. Instead of fighting them, let them come! The worst part of panic disorder is the frustration and fear of more attacks. The only way to get over this is to just lay back and say "Do your worst!" This is much easier said than done (I still have them, so obviously I have not mastered this technique). However, when one is going through a string of attacks, it usually due to the person spending all of their energy trying to fight them off, in my experience.

I absolutely agree with mcoop. Trying to stop or avoid panic attacks only makes them happen more often. What he says is true, if you just ride the "wave" (you know they are not dangerous, even though they sure feel like it) the panic attack will not only last a shorter period of time but will happen less often. This is a technique I am also working on. NO.....I have not mastered it either, but I am working on it and I have seen the benefits of it.

i admire people that can ride the wave. however i was too terrified to continue doing that. i had to resort to med before i could function even a little bit. i know some people don't want to get started on med. but that's the only thing that leveled my attacks enough for me to even begin other ways of coping.

I went the same route as amber did. I had to have the meds to relax me and take the edge off. I take a small dose of xanax and I'm able to cope with work and life.

I too work on 'riding the wave" of panic. Its a difficult process at times to manage. I try and think of it as an exercise and tell myself that with anything new it takes practice. I also tell myself that each attack is another opportunity to master this. That alone can help alot. There are the bad days when I just sit there and try to breath and focus my attention and visualize being on a beach relaxing in the sun and enjoying myself. That can help alot too. I still smoke, and the funny thing, when I have a panic episode I cant touch a ciggarette. Not complaining, just think its odd. Hopefully the more I cut down I'll quit. I ahve an appt with my Dr. next week and I know he will want to prescribe meds which I dont want to take. I seem to have bad reactions to everything. Has anyone tried the rescue remedy or take any nutritional products for this? Theres a great book out there called the "power of now" that i have found helpfull too. This problem can be such difficult mind conenection to break, but I know it can be done with daily work.

you are definitly not alone i have panic attacks everyday also but it helps me to remember that after one is done that i lived though it you may want to talk to your doc about something to calm you down mine prescibed me ativan it has helped so far

I give up - I cannot control them. It is so fragile a feeling and I feel so lost in it all. And there seems to be so little to do about it. Lots of "good ideas" but nothing that sorts it out.

But my experiece is not everyone's. Good luck x

Keziah, dont give up, there is so much you can do. There is so much info out on the web to read, so many inspirational sites to read to bring you some much needed peace.There are also tons of prayer sites where people pray for you.I look forward everyday to reading my emails and inspirational messages. It give me hope in knowing that I am not alone and people care enough. Hang in there!

DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE!!! I believe this happens to alot us because sometimes it can take a really long time for us to find the right route (for lack of a better word) that helps us. I take Xanax as needed but have refused the anti-depressants as I always seem to have bad reactions. I have been reading about great breakthroughs with nutritional supplements. Although there is some controversy about it, it seems like a path I might take. I don't usually do this but if you visit a sight called TRUEHOPE you can start investigating for yourself. Look at the positive and negative and decide for yourself, but when it comes to help, I would much rather take a vitamins route than SSRI's.

Each person is different my friend and what works for one may or may not work for another. I still suffer from PA's and I was diagnosed nearly 13 years ago. These days I'm in Celexa and trying CBT - which does well at times, but like others said, I haven't mastered anything yet. I can say that PAs are HORRIBLE and I hate them with every fiber of my being. But I will continue to fight because there is no alternative! ((HUGS)) to you!!