Logically, they are perfectly aware of this, but that doesn’t stop the fear from engulfing them. They typically feel embarrassed about how much their fear affects their life. This embarrassment can even contribute to them not seeking help. This is a pity because the condition can be effectively dealt with.

There are still conflicting theories over what causes panic attacks, and the best way to treat them. But it is largely agreed that some form of cognitive behavioral therapy is the best approach. They say that knowledge is power and a good first step is to get to know what is happening when you experience a panic attack.

After all, one of the worst aspects of the condition is the feeling of powerlessness when an attack strikes. When you are gripped by it, it is easy to imagine that you are having a heart attack or a stroke or some other life threatening event. And having these feelings can lead you to begin to question your sanity. Over time, you develop a fear of further attacks, which in itself can be enough to keep the cycle going.

It can be very reassuring to learn about the processes that are going on in the body during an attack. Once other possibilities have been ruled out, each of the symptoms, no matter how strange and frightening, can be explained as part of a natural bodily process. And more importantly, no matter how bad it feels at the time, no physical harm will come to you.

Armed with this knowledge, for some people, the fear of another attack is already reduced. You can then begin the process of dealing with the attacks when they arise. Knowing that you are not in any actual danger, you can approach the sensations you are feeling in a different way. Attempting to fight the feelings usually makes them worse.

They can’t continue to increase in intensity. At some point, your body’s natural regulatory system will kick in and begin to restore things to normal. As strange as it might sound, your suffering doesn’t come from the feelings themselves,  but from your reaction to them. If you can now observe them with interest and even welcome them, your suffering will be greatly reduced.

Similarly, some people associate panic attacks with certain situations. But it is not the situation itself that causes the attack, but your fear of having an attack in that situation. For example, social situations or driving are a problem for some people. One approach to treatment is to allow the person to experience gentle exposure to the problem situation.

In this way, they can begin to learn that being in that situation needn’t necessarily lead to a panic attack. And even if they do experience some of the symptoms, with their new found method of dealing with their feelings,  a full blown attack isn’t inevitable. In this way, over time, the connection can be broken between the situation and the feelings.

There are also many useful techniques for dealing with the underlying general anxiety that can lead to panic attacks. These range from simple breathing techniques to full blown meditation practices. I believe that there is something out there to fit in with even the busiest of lifestyles, without the need to resort to medication.

Stress and anxiety disorders are becoming increasingly common, affecting a surprisingly high proportion of the population. If you can get over any embarrassment you may feel about being in this situation, you will have taken a massive first step on the road to recovery. Anyone can be free of panic attacks. It is just a question of getting the right help.