For me, they tend to manifest either as ‘everyone is going to hurt me’ or ‘oh my god, I’m going to die/someone is going to kill me’

As my panic attacks related to other people, I tend to do better if I just lock myself in my bedroom alone and throw myself into a book, or do yoga style breathing while listening to some music I really enjoy. When they’re at their worst, all I can do is curl up in bed and wait for it to pass.

~Kali
http://www.brilliantmindbrokenbody.wordpress.com

JG, it’s a good thing that people and doctors now understand and talk about anxiety/panic attacks, no? The “get out of your body” sensation can be quite overwhelming at times, I hope to continue to make progress on this issue.

kertslittlebird, I was very touched by your comments. No we are not alone, and no we are not crazy – it’s just at times our coping mechanisms get overwhelmed by the struggle of living with chronic illness and chronic pain.

Rebecca, thanks for the breathing exercise – I’m going to try it next time a panic attack resurfaces. My therapist also suggested breathing in/out of a paper bag, that the breathing and the rustling noise of the paper bag help as well.

Cathy, you aren’t going to believe this but I completely forgot that I’m stocked up with Rescue Remedy. I have the spray, the drops, and the pastilles. Thanks for the reminder and I hope other readers benefit as well. I too believe in the power of positive affirmations, and use Louise Hay’s books and affirmation cards. I must admit they have been pushed aside during the past few months, but I am going to commit to bringing them back into my daily life. Thanks again!

Last but not least: talking to someone, either in person or on the phone, also helped me a great deal in getting through some of my recent panic attacks.