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Who can help me work through my panic attacks?

31 Answers
Last Updated: 12/07/2021 at 6:58am
1 Tip to Feel Better
South Africa
Moderated by

Claudette Pretorius, MA Counselling Psychology

Licensed Professional Counselor

I know how overwhelming it can feel when you're having a tough time. I offer clients a space that is non-judgemental and empathetic whilst navigating these times together.

Top Rated Answers
ListenLady
September 8th, 2015 1:43pm
Speaking to your doctor is a good place to start, they can give you advice and make recommendations for you to speak to someone like a therapist or support groups. Family and friends are good to talk to and ask for support. There are many anxiety and panic attack support forums available online but they are normal people not professionals. Here in 7 cups of tea we have people called listeners who are trained to listen to and support you, they are here if you would like to talk about your situation and will offer you support when you need it.
Breathedani
September 24th, 2014 3:12am
I have panic attacks almost daily. What really sets me off is getting in an argument with my girlfriend, siblings, or parents. Its hard sometimes to avoid situations that are going to be upsetting but that's what I try to do. Deep breaths help me calm my heart rate and I think about my happy place.
siha
September 16th, 2014 8:54pm
talk to some one trust worthy and sincere or talk to yourself about how you feel and what can be done in a quite place for few minutes.. tell yourself you are okay and you can do this..it really helps. best of luck :)
VirtualVirgo
August 27th, 2019 5:36am
I've found grounding exercises to be helpful. A common one is looking around you, and finding 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste! The idea behind this strategy is to be more mindful of your surroundings, and to remind your brain that you are not in any physical danger. Another common grounding exercise is called "box breathing"- where you control your breath by inhaling for a count of 4, and exhale for a count of 6. The idea is to regulate your breathing, since your breathing rate will increase when you're panicking.
LetsCherishLife
January 2nd, 2018 5:28am
Well there are many options. You might have friends or family that care and if not you can still come on here and talk to a listener. But the one who according to my experience can actually help the most is yourself. You know what works for you and what is good for you and you are the one that has to work through it after all. If you feel like you need profesional help with it you can still try to talk to a therapist or some kind of profesional counselor.
RaduMemete
November 12th, 2014 10:53pm
The best help can come from a psychotherapeut specialized in cognitive behavioural therapy. He is the one who can show you how to overcome your panic attacks.
TalkingIsTheBestMedicine
May 3rd, 2015 9:21pm
Often times, you can help yourself through panic attacks. The extent to which we exist independently of a bunch of chemical reactions within our body is the subject of many a metaphysical debate but the important thing to know is that, whilst you may not be able to stop the panic attacks, there are ways of mitigating the effects that the attacks are having on you. Always good to go and chat to a good friend or professional should you consider that you are unable to deal with things yourself.
Anonymous
December 7th, 2021 6:58am
Your family, friends, co workers, talk to them about it! Tell them about it and let them support you! Having people around you is very very very helpful! I'm sure they would love to help as well. Reach out to the people around you and let them help. You're never alone. You could also reach out to listeners on 7 cups for help. We can talk you through them and support you. You’re always welcome and loved here. You can also, reach out for professional help if you need it.
Anonymous
June 29th, 2015 4:03am
Letting it happen, distractions, having someone comfort you...all help. Reminding yourself that you've gotten through them many times and you can get through them again.
Anonymous
July 6th, 2015 9:39am
You should seek professional help first and once you know for sure what you need, you can explain it to a close friend or family member so they can help you if you experience one.
InvisibleMonster
April 25th, 2016 9:39pm
Therapists can help you learn techniques to get through panic attacks and even get to a point where you dont have them, In my personal experience getting though a panic attack the person that helps most is yourself, doing some deep breathing, Breathing in through the nose for three secoinds, holding it for two and slowly breath out through the mouth and reapeat, Also turning on the water and focus on it, think about what you are looking at how its flowing the sound it makes, sometimes that tends to help calm down, smells and feeling something and focusing on how it smells or how it feels often distracts the mind and makes the panic go away, I also know that listening to music or just focusing on some sound, basically try to use your senses touch, sight, smell, sound to distract yourself. I hope this helps :)
Snakefoxbox
June 14th, 2016 2:37am
Yourself, mostly. But anyone around you who understands you're having these problems and cares about you enough to help. You are the best at taking care of you.
Anonymous
October 25th, 2016 9:33pm
Listeners, friends, or therapists are great ways to get help during a panic attack, as they are usually very understanding.
Anonymous
May 30th, 2017 4:41am
I have found that the thing needed most to work through panic attacks are your friends or people you feel comfortable with and are close to. Those are the people who know you best, and can help you calm down. If you ever feel like you are going to have a panic attack, then talk to someone, or just being with someone who cares about you can help. Make sure you take deep breaths, it will help calm you down!
PastelRhian
November 27th, 2017 3:13am
Find someone you're close to and spend a lot of time with and explain to them how your panic attacks work and what helps to calm you down. This is so that if they're with you when one happens they can help you work through it.
Anonymous
January 2nd, 2018 6:29pm
The referral to a counsellor or therapist can enable you to identify the things which trigger your panic attack, which will then allow you to work on making them better.
instrumentOfPeace101
February 20th, 2018 1:50am
I always message my mom or dad, but if they aren't available, I ask my friends who have experienced panic attacks before. They know how they like to be treated and they know how to help others experiencing the same thing!
Anonymous
May 1st, 2015 9:32am
When I would get anxiety attacks or panic attacks what helped me was I would focus on something completely different. For example I would think about what I was having for lunch or something to take my mind of the panic attack and before I know it its over. Or focusing on breathing is also very helpful.
melodyofdeath
April 19th, 2015 10:46am
At first yourself. You can learn to understand how, when and why you have panic attacks. Then you can prepare yourself and try to prevent these. It's good when you know what causes your panic attacks. Anyway, family and friends can help you, too. It's important to trust them. Also psychiatrists and therapists.
RaleighC
November 19th, 2014 4:06am
There are lots of people who can help you work through panic attacks. You can ask for help from a counselor, doctor, teacher or clergy member who you trust and feel comfortable with. You can talk about it with friends or family who are willing to listen and help. You can join an online or in person support group designed to help people manage panic and anxiety. You can even buy workbooks about the topic that you can work through on your own.
TurtleTurtle
November 18th, 2014 9:39am
Anyone who you feel is supportive of you; anyone who you feel you can trust to sit down and lead you through it step by step.
Anonymous
November 14th, 2014 5:11pm
We can all give you suggestions in how to deal with panic attacks but only you are make it work. The most common way to deal with panic attacks is to take deep breathes, thinking of a happy place or something which makes you happy.
xoShannonxo
November 13th, 2014 3:31pm
a close friend, or relative, or teacher for example! get them to talk you through breathing excercises and it should help calm you down :)
Artemis6
November 10th, 2014 6:29pm
You, the people around you that understands, which includes friends, and family, and also a professional if you have doubts about your panic attacks. :)
Anonymous
November 3rd, 2014 10:56pm
You can help yourself, or you can seek help from a professional. For me I like to do this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFwCKKa--18 I found it from this website and it really does help. I hope any one with panic attacks can get help and get better.
SpasticQueen
October 30th, 2014 11:20pm
Anyone from your friends or family members, to listeners on cites can help you through your attacks. You are the number one person though. There are many ways to calm yourself down.
CaitlinRose
October 27th, 2014 8:04pm
Any trained mental health staff can help you through a panic attack. Family and friends can also learn how to talk you through panic attacks if they are educated on the subject.
Elis
October 27th, 2014 6:11pm
It is good to go to a doctor about advice about panic attack. Doctors are specially trained to be able to help with those types of things, such as panic attacks and anxiety. It is also possible to seek advice form a psychological clinic, and see a trained therapist for your problems. Good luck.
AllearsSamantha
October 26th, 2014 6:32pm
Learn to take deep breaths and breathe slowly. clear your mind and focus on a brighter picture. there is always something more pleasant so dwell in that moment
StormWilliams
October 25th, 2014 10:52pm
A trained professional such as a therapist or counselor is your best option in helping you work through panic attacks.