There is no sure fire way. I have panic attacks several times a week. The best way to deal with them is to try to focus on one particular unrelated thing. It muddles the fear a bit. Not fool proof, but it helps.

I will have to try that next time, if there is a next time. Thank you

I focus on breathing. And in some cases just accept that freaking out isn't going to make the situation better.

I know that fear of skiing. I've often tried runs that were beyond my ability at the time. I just accepted the current situation and took the run one turn at a time.

I did try the breathing thing, it worked until I let my mind run away with me. I calmed down as many times as I freaked out, but it just kept coming back. So, it does work, but not enough I guess. :/

It's not a catch all relief. It really only provides a few second or so, but it helps a little.

Really, the biggest way I handle stress and panic attacks is not letting myself stop. Don't tackle a problem all at once, but try and take it one metaphorical step at a time.

It's when you stop to look at what you have to accomplish, that you start to get into trouble. In physics static friction is greater than kinetic friction. This is the same for psychological things as well.

These are suggestions for seemingly impossible tasks that have to be completed (like getting down the mountain). Handling non-mandatory things takes a different finesse but the same principle can be applied. This line of thinking is really one of the biggest reasons why I'm still alive and have made it as far as I have in life.

Thank you for the input, I'm hoping I'll be better able to handle something like this next time!

*peers in* I try and draw, have some hot tea, pace (alot) or just sit and/or just blow up things in games.
My mate knows that some can't be relieved with my methods.

*hugs* Now I feel really bad before getting hung up at home and not helping you out there...
Maybe scuba diving you'll like better. I miss doing it...though I don't know if Rock Bottom Scuba is still open now. :(

reall bad for getting*

I'm just sorry I missed you and wassted or chance of going up there too. I would love to try scuba diving sometime! I feel every @ home swimming, I really miss it. This is also the first time I've ever had a panic attack...if I would have known I wouldn't have wasted everyone's time. *hugs* thank you for being understanding

*hugs back* It's alright. There is always another time, Lux.
Surprises happen. I just wished I was there to help you out of it.

I might need to get a recertification/refresher. It's like every 2-3 years by PADI standards, but it's kinda extreme and hard to do in MT. I still know the basics and still have my OWC (Open Water Certiciation) book, notes and dive log from my class in 2006.
I miss doing it, though the best diving is like Aug-Oct, not June/July. Trust me...I know from taking a Refresher course in the summer. >_<

Ohhh, that still sounds awesome! Although, it also sounds like a lot of hoops to jump through! :p

lulz It is. It's like flying...just in water. :)
Yeah...it does, but once you do it that first time and you're hooked.
I have about 6 or so dives under my belt. :) I miss it. Rock-hopping, catching crayfish, and treasure hunting.
I have a near-complete Blue Pabst ribbon glass bottle during a dive.

I wanna fly in water!!! Also, that's cool! Found treasures are always the best!

It is. I will have the bottle.
Plus you can get close to fish as well.

*pokes fishes* ^_^

I'm glad the fuzbutt helped you out when you were on the lift.
We all have fears, no fear can really be labelled irrational because we each have a different reason for that fear. For me, spiders scare the shit out of me 96 foot big hulking security guard is scared of spiders xD) To the point where I've fainted and get woozy if I see them. Fear of heights is a very common fear for a lot of people. I use to be horrified of heights (The flight attendant on my first flight was kind enough to give me enough Benadryl to put down a horse it seems xD). I still get nervous around ledges and eges of buildings, even clear skywalks make me somewhat nervous. THe biggest issue that's hurt me is the flying part though.

For me, I take a slight meditative approach. I close my eyes, slow my breathing to a deep and gentle pace (Which'll slow your heart and relax you as well), and when I'm ready, I'll open my eyes. If I'm on a plane, music helps...I even had help from a friend for really long flights. She is a psych major, and everytime I go on long flights, she makes a hypnosis file for me to zone out to for take off and landing...although, I don't think you want to be in an altered mental state on a skilift!

First experiences can be scary, especially when one encompasses one of your fears. And those lifts still give me a huge fright and I've been skiing since I was 10.

Find what calms you, and find out how you can work that into what you're doing so that it helps calm your mind. If things get too real for you, take a time out! FInd a place to sit, lie back for a moment, focus on your breathing, and calm your mind. It takes a lot of baby steps, but someday you can overcome your fear ^^.

Thank you! I often use meditation, ASMR and hypnosis to destress or help me sleep. Usually in almost any situation I am the calm one, but this hit me so fasst and so hard I lost calm and control instantly. I really hope it won't happen again, but if it does I will certainly try your suggestions! And thank you for your view on fears, it's nice to know that even though it feels irrational, just because someone else isn't afraid of the same thing doesn't make it an invalid reason to be afraid.

It happens! I have those moments as well when my clear thinking goes out the window due to fears. That's the big thing is that no fear should be labeled irrational, by doing that you can invalidate the person itself which can make it harder to help.

I love using hypnosis as a tool! It's really hard for me to drop down very deep, but the files that I get for flying can drop me into a deep enough trance to forget what I was afraid of. I've also used it for my anxiety to help calm down.

Me too! I love the places a good hypnosis can take me, I also have trouble dropping down very far, but when I do, I always feel great after! And thank you, I think I needed to hear that bit about validation, it's something I need to work on.

YES! It's the most amazing feeling <3! How do you feel when you slip under that deep? Usually, I feel heavy, like I'm falling and spinning, but it's a gentle spin.
I've been practicing going under easier! It's slowly working, just have to learn to let go easier :P.
<3 I'm glad I could help.

Similar it's a strange combination of feeling heavy and almost weightless, I am aware of my body, but it would take me a while to move if I needed to!

Was stated earlier, different coping methods differ between folks or for different situations. For the most recent panic attack I had, I tried remembering the lyrics to some of my favorite songs in my head. It also helped that my boss is a very understanding/supportive person. So having some one there to help you out/through an attack is always good. wrapping yourself up in your favorite blanket with a cup of tea helps too for the "after shocks".^^

Also, fear of heights is not an irrational fear ;)

Thank you, I will definitely take all these things to heart! Hope you are well out there!

breathe through your stomach and meditate. Dumb down your thoughts and think you will not die from this fear

Thank you for the advice, I very much appreciate it!