"How long do panic attacks last" is a question many people who suffer from panic attacks have, but unfortunately it isn't so easy to answer.
It really depends on so many factors and the answer is different for every person.
However, I'm going to explain several factors that may affect how long a panic attack lasts.
A single, sudden attack mostly lasts between 30 seconds to over an hour.
However, it really depends on the person going through it.
If you manage to stay calm and tell yourself it is just another panic attack and won't do any physical harm, the attack will most probably last shorter.
What can I do to affect the length of a panic attack? There are several things you can do to affect how long a panic attack lasts.
First of all, it is important to stay calm.
Tell yourself that these attacks haven't hurt you in the past and they won't hurt you right now either.
They are just caused by your brain and the adrenaline your brain releases.
If you feel breathless or dizzy, you may hyperventilate.
Hyperventilation causes an unbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood and that may make you feel dizzy or short of breath.
Breathing into a paper bag helps balancing it again.
Another important tip is to distract yourself from thinking about your panic attack.
Watch a funny movie on TV or play your favourite music.
Try to keep yourself busy by going for a walk or talk to someone.
Is there treatment for panic attacks? Fortunately, yes, there is.
You can get rid of panic attacks forever, and working towards that should be your goal.
All those tips I have given you are just temporary solutions but they won't help you get rid of the panic attacks.
You should see a psychotherapist or get a self-help course to make your panic attacks go away forever.