Most people have had a panic attack at some point. Some more constant than others. If you have the occasional panic attack over an event or situation, or if you have it almost constantly, here are some things to make it go away, or at least get better.

1. Breathe

This is the most important thing when dealing with a panic attack is to remember to breathe. This may seem silly to some, as breathing comes naturally to people, but one of the symptoms of a panic attack is difficulty breathing. The feeling like this is the end for you doesn’t help with the breathing difficulties either.

2. Sit Down

What most people do when they have a panic attack is pace. To us, this makes sense, since adrenaline is coursing through you and you need to get it out some way. But one of the main symptoms of a panic attack is a quickened pulse, and slowing that pulse down is one of the fastest ways to end the attack. Try sitting down and focusing on breathing.

3. Read

Getting focused on something else is one of the most difficult things to do when having a panic attack. However, most people see books as an escape into another world for your mind, being able to picture new worlds or different perspectives of people.

4. Meditate

This can mean multiple things. For some, praying is their form of meditation, since it is a focus on one thing: God. There’s even some useful online prayer useful online prayers for anxiety and panic attacks. Another form of meditating is actual meditation, the focus of nothing or on one thing. It could even be a mantra of some sort, like the one I use: I’ll get through this, I’ll be okay.

5. Distract yourself

If reading, praying, or meditation aren’t your forte, try something that easily distracts you. For me, that is video games. Many a panic attack for me has been solved by starting up an Xbox and diving into The Witcher 3.

6. Drink water

Sweating, rapid pulse, and more symptoms of a panic attack can cause dehydration. Water will help with this, and the feeling of dizziness you may experience.

7. Do you need to be alone or with someone?

Panic attacks can be a weird thing in social settings. Sometimes you feel as though you need someone there to be with you because you can't take an acute feeling of loneliness that gets you in that moment. Other times, you need to distance yourself from others, or you'll get a feeling of being overwhelmed. The important thing in these situations is to understand how you are feeling at that moment and let your friends or family, if they are with you, know and have them act accordingly. In this day and age, we should be able to communicate this to others without fear of judgement.

8. Know that it'll be OK

The average time for most panic attacks is 5-10 minutes. Sure, it can seem like a lifetime, but that really because your mind is racing. Remind yourself that this feeling won't last forever and that in a short time, you'll be fine.