When the term is referred to as a 'panic or anxiety disorder', this simply means that the person has suffered or continues to suffer with on going attacks.

To get help for panic attacks means initially understanding what the start of the attacks was caused by.

Realizing that you may be having panic attacks along with when and where they occur will aid you to seek help for panic attacks much more effectively.

Also, by recognising the patterns of when and where they occur will help you to deal with it before it starts. Once you are in the middle of a full blown attack is not the ideal time to avoid it.

To have help for panic attacks can be as simple as knowing what to do before they kick in. Some type of distraction should be employed by trying to focus your mind on another subject, even a silly subject, if you realize a panic attack is about to occur.

Being prepared is the key and knowing in advance what to think of to distract yourself works better than trying to think of something when the attack starts. Have a group of things to think of, such as:

A loved one

A place you like to visit

A favourite town or city

A joyful event in your past

Having fear is the most negative thing when it comes to help for panic attacks. Understand that it is VITAL to take command of your fear. Rapid heart beats and a light headed feeling are side effects of fear. Again, being prepared will bring confidence and in return, reduce fear.

Other symptoms during a panic or anxiety attack is feeling tightness in the chest area coupled with an erratic and unnormal breathing pattern. Try learning and practicing breathing exercises in advance.

You will feel more confident of getting yourself back to normal if you know how to breathe correctly if you have an attack.

For some folks, writing down your distractions along with your breathing patterns will be more effective as they can be taken with you.

This can help for panic attacks as for some people, the mind is not clear when an attack happens and all the well laid out plans in your head are forgotten. If you can remember to reach for the written plan and follow the instructions, this alone can serve as a useful distraction and will help quell any attack quickly. Write down the list of distractions that work for you and always keep a copy on your person. It is not enough to keep it in your head when clarity of thought is lost during panic attacks.

I hope this article serves as help for panic attacks. Do not let panic attacks ruin your life. They can be cured but only if you think they can be cured.