Anxiety is a normal part of life.
However, if you have an anxiety disorder it can become all consuming and overwhelming.
It may even become so severe that you are afraid to go anywhere because you fear the embarrassment of a panic attack in public.
If you have ever experienced this, you know exactly what I mean because you have experienced the following feelings:

• Palpitations, pounding heart, or fast heart beat
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Feeling short of breath (may even feel like you are smothering)
• Sense of choking
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Dizziness, unsteadiness, lightheaded or feeling faint
• Feelings of unrealility
• Feeling detached from yourself
• Fear of losing control or going crazy
• Fear of dying
• Numbness or tingling
• Chills or hot flashes

Sometimes it happens when you are in public, for others only when they are driving.
In more severe cases that are called agoraphobia, it is so severe that just thinking of leaving your comfort zone can trigger the above symptoms.
It can make you feel like you are crazy and keep you from the things in life you enjoy.
However, there is hope.
When you feel the first signs of an attack, there are some things you can do to help yourself:

• Accept it.
  Now I know that sounds really strange when everything inside you wants to push it away and just get on with your life.
  However, I want you to think of it like a relationship.
  In any relationship where there are differing opinions you have two choices.
  First you can try to ignore the conflict, leaving the other person feeling left out, and possibly pushing harder and harder to get your attention.
  This is what happens when you try to ignore or push a panic attack aside.
  On the other hand, if you face your panic, you will find you can negotiate a victory.
  
• Get comfortable where you are.
  I am not talking about running away.
  Find a place to sit, find a quiet corner, sit; generally, just give yourself some breathing room.
  Remember, panic attacks are not permanent, and no one has ever died from one (even though it may feel like it).
  
• Breathe.
  Start with measured belly breaths.
  Breath in through your nose to the count of 3 (when you breathe in, your stomach should come in so that you are using your diaphragm).
  Purse your lips and breathe out to the count of 3 (again, using your diaphragm so that your stomach expands).
  Do this 10 times.
  
• Ground yourself.
  Look around.
  Is there any immediate danger, or is the danger in your mind? Panic attacks originate from our thoughts that something bad is about to happen.
  Focus on the things that are positive, and safe in your environment.
  For example, if you are driving and one of your panic thoughts is, "What will I do if the car breaks down?" Focus on the sounds of the engine, does it sound normal, it is still running, so you can be grateful for the continued forward movement.
  Maybe you have a cell phone in your car.
  Focus on the fact that you can call for help if (and that is a really big IF) you need it.
  It may take some work to find those positives when you are panicking, keep breathing, and keep looking for them.
  Don't deny the fears by telling yourself that is stupid to be afraid of that.
  When you do that, the anxiety only works harder to be heard.
  Just allow yourself to recognize that in spite of the worst that could happen, you have alternatives.
  
• Feel your anxiety in your body.
  Starting with your toes, feel them start to relax, go limp.
  Next focus on your lower legs.
  Imagine they are soft and supple, maybe warmed by the sun of a spring day.
  Now, move to your upper legs, your fingers, arms, stomach, chest, and finally your head.
  

If you are in a safe enough place, imagine yourself walking down a path.
On this path you feel calm and safe.
Take time to imagine what you see, what the temperature is, what you hear, and how you feel in this really safe place.
In your mind, keep walking to a field that again, is safe and comfortable.
It may be a sunny, grassy knoll; it may be a grotto you can hide out in, whatever feels safe to you.
Rest in that safe place and go through the above process of step-by-step relaxation.
When you are ready (and you will be ready, don't worry about wanting to stay there forever), walk back down the path you came from back to a reality you are ready to deal with victoriously.
· Remember, panic attacks always pass.
This one will too.
If you need additional help dealing with anxiety, call a competent mental health professional for assistance.