Panic Attacks can be characterized by a sudden onset of uncomfortable and terrifying symptoms coupled with thoughts that something bad is about to happen. The most common symptoms of panic attacks can include: rapid heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, etc. The very first panic attack can occur anytime, anywhere and subsequent attacks can be equally unpredictable. Left untreated, sufferers can become traumatized by their experiences and may develop certain level of fear and phobia. They may hesitate to venture into public and become easily agitated and nervous.

In order to overcome your panic attacks you need to understand what is going on with your body. Many panic attack sufferers are dead convinced that something is wrong with them and they are going to die. This is false! Panic attacks will NEVER cause you to die or cause you to develop some unknown physical illness. This is the most important fact that you have to understand as a full recovery would not be possible if you still believe that something bad is happening to you. You need to stop pin-pointing a reason and cause for your symptoms - because there is none - there is only panic attack.

One way to deal with panic attacks is to try and focus on positive, rationale thoughts. Thoughts like "I feel like fainting", "I am having a heart attack", "I am going to lose control" does not help at all. Instead, they will only serve to worsen the panic symptoms. Put a stop to these thoughts and replace them with positive, rationale thoughts such as "These feelings are uncomfortable, but they won't last forever", "It is not a heart attack, it is just panic attack, I will be fine", etc.

Do not be disheartened if you are finding it difficult to concentrate on these calming thoughts. This is a form of mental conditioning; as you keep practicing and trying, your brain with eventually accept these positive statements and you will find it easier to calm down.