If you have ever had a panic attack, you can appreciate how important it is to know how to cope with them – or if possible, prevent them. Here are a few great ways to deal with your panic attacks so that they don’t control you. Get control back with these tips.

Remind yourself during a panic attack that there is nothing wrong with you, your nervous system is just sensitive and reacting to some sort of stimulus. This is only temporary and it will pass, and that you’ll survive it and have absolutely no residual problems from the way it affects your body.

Anticipate your panic attack. If you have been suffering for panic attacks, you have to have a plan in place for dealing with them when they happen. You don’t want to be caught unawares, so know what you will do before you even start having a panic attack in the first place.

Slowing down your breathing is a big part of bringing a panic attack under control. By controlling your breathing, you can actually reduce the severity of the panic attack. By taking deep breaths, as if you are breathing into your stomach, you will be able to regain control.

Some people experience panic attacks while driving or riding in a car. Should this happen to you, opening the car windows a bit for some fresh air on your face should help. If it’s summertime, crank the air conditioning for a bit which should cool your head and calm your nerves. If you are flying, open the overhead fan all the way to cool yourself and calm down.

Think through your fear thoughts during a panic attack and try to figure out why these problems are bothering you. If the dishes in the sink bother you, why? Is it because you don’t want people to see them? Why not? You may find a deep rooted problem which needs to be dealt with.

If you experience panic attacks, you may find it useful to carry “insurance” in the form of some type of anti-anxiety medication. Medicines such as clonazepam in very small, occasional doses can be extremely effective in quickly calming a panic attack. They are not meant to be taken daily and should, of course, be taken under a doctor’s instructions.

If you take medicine to help with your anxiety, is important that you do not stop taking your medicine because you think that you are cured. If you do this, you may revert back to your old anxious ways. Try to follow through to the end of your medication period.

Consider doing something exciting when you have a panic attack, like rock climbing! This will put your adrenaline to good use while also showing you that you’re able to do something terrifying without ending up with any negative repercussions. What a great way to show your fears that you’re the boss of them, not vice versa!

Try these tips to deal with panic attacks. Each one may not work for you, as everyone is different. However, take the tips that work for you and use them as defense against the panic attacks that threaten you. Conquer them and you’ll be able to live your life again.