Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Doctor Shares Tips to Handle Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of anxiety that can feel like a medical emergency.
They cause symptoms like a racing heart, trouble breathing, and a strong fear of dying.
These attacks happen because the body's fight-or-flight response is triggered, even when there's no real danger.
A doctor explains that understanding what's happening in your body during a panic attack can help you stay calm.
Techniques like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and muscle relaxation can make panic attacks less scary.
Keeping a log of your panic attacks can also help you find patterns and triggers.
If these methods don't work, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Panic attacks are treatable and manageable with the right support and techniques.
Panic attacks are intense episodes of anxiety with symptoms like a racing heart, breathlessness, and chest tightness.
They mimic cardiac events, often leading to emergency hospital visits.
Symptoms peak within 3-5 minutes and subside, but their unpredictability can be distressing.
Medical evaluation is essential for first-time episodes to rule out serious conditions.
Management techniques include diaphragmatic breathing, positive self-statements, distraction, muscle relaxation, and thought-stopping.
- Who
- Individuals experiencing panic attacks
- What
- Panic attacks and how to manage them
- When
- During and after a panic attack
- Where
- Anywhere, as panic attacks can occur unexpectedly
- Why
- To reduce fear, prevent escalation, and improve long-term recovery
- Symptoms
- Racing heart, breathlessness, chest tightness, dizziness, overwhelming fear of dying
- Duration
- Symptoms peak within 3-5 minutes and then subside
- Management Techniques
- Diaphragmatic breathing, positive self-statements, distraction techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, thought-stopping, panic attack log, lifestyle modifications
- Medical Evaluation
- Essential for first-time episodes to rule out cardiac events or other medical conditions
- Professional Help
- Medications and psychological interventions are effective for recurrent panic attacks
- Organizations
- WHO, NIMH, NICE, American Psychiatric Association, NHS