How to Stop a Panic Attack

Video Transcript

"Hello, I'm Dr. Robert Hernandez. I'm a Licensed Psychologist; President and Founder of La Farfalla Retreat House. Let's talk about how to stop a panic attack. Panic attacks are very scary and they really feel like you're about to die because you can't breath or that your heart is about to pop out of its chest. The first thing you want to do is look around; keep your eyes open and really observe your environment. As you're looking around, tell yourself that everything is okay. Tell yourself there's nothing harmful where you were at and really keep your eyes open. Closing your eyes can contribute to more thoughts. As you're doing this, focus on your breath and also it helps to touch your body, touch your arms and your skin and that way you know that you are safe inside the container of your body. Doing these simple techniques will reduce the feeling of threat and impending doom that panic, panic attacks seem to contribute towards. Remember, if you stay focus on your surrounding and tell yourself that you're okay, the panic will lessen."