I'm so scared of having another panic attack, what do I do?

How can I make the fear go away?

Panic attacks... that feeling many of us know so well. The pounding heart, sweating palms, feeling disorientated, ragged breathing, and your mind races like a hamster in a wheel... 'It's all getting worse you mind screams', your mind scanning for more alarming sensations. 'My hand has just turned numb. It's a stroke! This time it will be the knackers yard for you!' You panic more as you scrabble around looking for your phone to dial 999. Perhaps the paramedics come round and reassure you. Maybe you speak to an old GP friend or call a national panic line. Suddenly you calm down. The fear goes - maybe you did over react a teensy bit but if felt soooo real. You feel stupid, terrified and alone in the world. So scared of having another panic attack- nobody understands.

Take heart - you are not alone!! In the last 2-years, 60% of adults in the UK suffered with anxiety that significantly disrupted their life and that 1:10 live with an anxiety disorder (Mental Health Foundation). 1:3 adults have experienced a panic attack and most people have had their first panic attack by their 20's. What's more these statistics are rising. They are more common in women then men and in people between 35 and 45. So you don't have to do this alone.

Support can include :

• Reach out to friends and family and let them know you are struggling.

• Speak to your GP and get referred to a counsellor

• Phone an anxiety or panic helpline line like no panic or SANEline

• Speak to a panic and anxiety therapist

We will regularly be posting tips and advice on how to deal with panic and anxiety so make sure you book mark this page. Remember, you don't need to suffer alone.