Panic attacks are sudden and often overwhelming feelings of fear or distress that can interfere with daily life. They can happen to anyone, at any time, and for a variety of reasons.

Here, real people share their experiences with panic attacks and how they managed to overcome them.

1. Katy’s Story

Katy was only 17 years old when she had her first panic attack. She was at home watching a movie when suddenly, she felt her heart racing and had difficulty breathing. She thought she was having a heart attack and immediately called her parents.

After a visit to the emergency room and several tests later, she found out she was suffering from a panic attack.

Katy’s panic attacks continued for some time, and she felt like she was losing control of her life.

She tried various coping mechanisms, including breathing exercises and therapy, but it wasn’t until she started taking medication that her panic attacks became manageable. Today, Katy lives a full and productive life without the debilitating effects of panic attacks.

2. Sam’s Story

Sam was 28 years old when he had his first panic attack. It happened suddenly on a busy street, and he felt like he couldn’t breathe and was going to pass out. His heart was racing, and he could feel his chest tightening.

Sam was sure he was having a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital by a passerby.

After several tests and a full medical evaluation, Sam was told that he was suffering from a panic attack. He was advised to seek therapy, which he did.

Today, Sam is a yoga teacher and credits his recovery to the mindfulness techniques he learned during his therapy sessions.

3. Maria’s Story

Maria was 35 years old when she had her first panic attack. She was at work when suddenly, she felt her heart racing and had difficulty breathing. She thought she was going to die and was rushed to the hospital by her coworkers.

After a full medical evaluation, Maria was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. She tried different medications and therapy, but it wasn’t until she started practicing meditation and regular exercise that her panic attacks became manageable.

Today, Maria is a successful business owner who manages her anxiety with mindfulness techniques.

4. Alex’s Story

Alex was 21 years old when he had his first panic attack. It happened when he was driving on the highway, and suddenly, he felt like he couldn’t breathe and was going to pass out. He pulled over and called 911.

After a full medical evaluation, Alex was diagnosed with panic disorder. He tried various coping mechanisms, including medication and therapy, but it wasn’t until he started practicing yoga that his panic attacks became manageable.

Today, Alex is a yoga teacher and helps others manage their anxiety with mindfulness techniques.

5. Tiffany’s Story

Tiffany was 29 years old when she had her first panic attack. It happened while she was flying on an airplane, and suddenly, she felt like she was going to die. She was rushed to the hospital after the plane landed.

After a full medical evaluation, Tiffany was diagnosed with panic disorder. She tried different medications and therapy, but it wasn’t until she started practicing mindfulness meditation that her panic attacks became manageable.

Today, Tiffany is a meditation teacher who helps others manage their anxiety with mindfulness techniques.

6. Josh’s Story

Josh was 31 years old when he had his first panic attack. He was at home, and suddenly, he felt like he was going crazy. His heart was racing, and he felt like he couldn’t breathe. He was rushed to the hospital by his wife.

After a full medical evaluation, Josh was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. He tried different medications and therapy, but it wasn’t until he started practicing deep breathing exercises that his panic attacks became manageable.

Today, Josh is a successful business owner who helps others manage their anxiety with breathing techniques.

7. Sarah’s Story

Sarah was 25 years old when she had her first panic attack. It happened when she was in a crowded shopping mall, and suddenly, she felt like she was going to die. She was rushed to the hospital by security personnel.

After a full medical evaluation, Sarah was diagnosed with panic disorder. She tried different medications and therapy, but it wasn’t until she started practicing mindfulness meditation and yoga that her panic attacks became manageable.

Today, Sarah is a yoga teacher and helps others manage their anxiety with mindfulness techniques.

8. Mark’s Story

Mark was 38 years old when he had his first panic attack. It happened while he was at work, and suddenly, he felt like he was having a heart attack. He was rushed to the hospital by his coworkers.

After a full medical evaluation, Mark was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. He tried different medications and therapy, but it wasn’t until he started practicing mindfulness meditation and regular exercise that his panic attacks became manageable.

Today, Mark is a successful business owner who manages his anxiety with mindfulness techniques.

9. Rachel’s Story

Rachel was 27 years old when she had her first panic attack. It happened when she was at home alone, and suddenly, she felt like she was going to die. She called 911 and was taken to the hospital.

After a full medical evaluation, Rachel was diagnosed with panic disorder. She tried different medications and therapy, but it wasn’t until she started practicing deep breathing exercises that her panic attacks became manageable.

Today, Rachel is a successful writer who helps others manage their anxiety with breathing techniques.

10. Kyle’s Story

Kyle was 23 years old when he had his first panic attack. It happened when he was out with friends, and suddenly, he felt like he was going to die. He was rushed to the hospital by his friends.

After a full medical evaluation, Kyle was diagnosed with panic disorder. He tried different medications and therapy, but it wasn’t until he started practicing mindfulness meditation and regular exercise that his panic attacks became manageable.

Today, Kyle is a successful musician who manages his anxiety with mindfulness techniques.