Quote Originally Posted by Faddenator
Hey man, I used to have a pretty ridiculous panic disorder so I'll give your some tips that helped me.

First of all, marijuana can help. for some is causes anxiety, for others it relieves anxiety. If it helps you, use it!

The BEST answer to your panic attacks is simply telling yourself (and KNOWING) that there is nothing at all to be afraid of! It may feel like you are having a heart attack or something terrible is happening internally, but this usually a result of irregular breathing patterns which is a commonplace while having an attack. Which brings me to my next big tip:

Work on your breathing. There is a specific breathing pattern that every person has that will maximize oxygen absorbtion, comfort level, and every thing else that will help relieve your panic symptoms. This is called your Golden Breath. A good rule to follow is to inhale for seven seconds, and exhale for seven seconds. Personally, I go 5 seconds in, 5 seconds out. Find what works for you and really concentrate on your breathing when you feel an attack coming on. Also, try and focus on breathing into the lower areas of your lungs instead of just into the chest. Most people focus their breath into the upper portions of the lungs (the chest), but this is not the best way to breathe!

Lastly, DO NOT depend on any medications. You can use them, but KNOW that YOU are beating your anxiety, NOT Paxil, or Lexapro, or citalopram, or Zoloft, or ANYTHING. Placing the fate of your disorder in the hands of a pill will only make you feel more trapped, like you NEED the pills or you will be scared for the rest of your life. It's a very uncomfortable feeling, and only adds to the anxiety.

To re-cap:
-Dont just think, KNOW you will be just fine.
-Focus on your breathing, use the Golden Breath, and breathe into your lower lungs.
-Use the medication to help you while you work on the problem, BUT DONT DEPEND ON IT! Eventually you will stop taking those pills, and trust me when I say that it feels REALLY good.

In a few years, or even months, you'll look back and have no idea why you ever got so anxious about nothing at all. You're gonna be fine, man!

Take it easy:thumbsup:
I agree with everything faddenator said! There is one thing I would like to suggest also, exercise. Now, before you right this off and say, 'no I want something real' let me just tell you that there is much clinical evidence showing that exercise is just as a good and many times better than pills. I can attest to this myself. It is easy for me to exercise cuz I've been a jock all my life lol. But still, just go for a walk, then jog for part of the walk and gradually work your way up to mostly jogging.

I've been where you are and I hope my or faddenator's advice helps in some way.

Peace and Love mayen,
Ryan