What to do when you're hit by a panic attack

One minute you're fine, the next your heart is pounding, your palms are sweating, and you can't catch your breath. This is what a panic attack can feel like.

"Panic attacks are extremely common," says Emory internist Dr. Sharon Bergquist.

These kind of episodes of extreme, overwhelming fear can often cause physical symptoms, Bergquist says.

So, many of us may not realize we're having a panic attack.

"Because the first thought when you're having trouble catching your breath, and your heart is racing, is that you've got a medical condition," says Dr. Bergquist. "You think that you've got heart problems, or something is dreadfully wrong is going on inside your body."

Instead, most panic attacks triggered by by a sudden, severe anxiety.

Some people are biologically predisposed to an anxiety disorder.

Others simply become overwhelmed.

But how do you stop the feeling you're losing control?

Start by trying to control you're breathing, Dr. Bergquist says.

"So if you're got nowhere to go and there are people around you, just take a few deep breaths," she says. "That helps relax your muscles, it lowers you heart rate, it lowers your blood pressure."

If deep breathing isn't helping, Dr. Bergquist says try distracting yourself.

"Think of something funny, something to switch your mind away from just letting the stress response escalate," she says.

Sometimes, just taking a quick 5 minute walk, preferably outdoors, can help.

"Walking takes you out of that stressful situations," Bergquist explains. "It helps you release those endorphins. And when you go back into that same situation, you have a different perspective."

Panic attacks usually pass almost as quickly as they set in. They typically last no more than ten minutes.

You just have to push through them.

"And when you recognize that, instead of thinking worse case scenario, just try and calm yourself down," says Dr. Bergquist. "Tell yourself you're okay, everything is going to be okay."

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[debbieoaldon]

I have had panic attacks since I was a preteen.. I am 58 and still have them .. I pray God will please heal me ..

[bradpotter]

I had a panic attack in class today when a peer would not stop talking when I asked them to stop. All of the sudden I could not breathe and I called over the teacher and we talked it through. They are not fun but you can get through it.

[StephSancia]

desperately searching 4a. Video during panic attack can't breathe crying, 2 ads are 1 intro are a nightmare just info info. slowing down a bit but just food for thought when in crisis people search desperate just for help. Thanks xo

[mickmichaels]

Ha go by quickly. Yeah an hr. Just let it happen. Says people that dont have one when it comes on when driving. Or about the peope who KNOW theyre having a panic attack but the physical symptoms still persist. Until somoene important enough in the medical community has severe acute panic attacks will have no cure.

[RK-us]

I got panic attack it was random sudden feeling shortness of breath but i control i just let it happen