Panic attacks suddenly worse. Any advise?

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I have been working really hard over the last couple of years to get control of panic attacks. I had gained some ground (reduced frequency and intensity).

Unfortunately, in the last few weeks, I have been having multiple severe panic attacks every day (as I used to before I began treating them). I feel like I'm back to where I started because none of the techniques that had been working for me are working right now.

Has anyone else experienced something similar? Does anyone have any techniques for coping with panic attacks they could suggest? Finally does anyone have an opinion about weather I should keep trying with the techniques that I have been using (hoping they will start to work again) or should I be trying new things instead?

Thanks.

I know with my struggles with OCD, if I get into the thing where I fear the fear, that's kind of a downward spiral.

Sometimes the zen approach of neither trying to push a thought out nor trying to hold onto it, but just kind of being aware and watching it with detached interest. Doesn't always work, but worth a try as one method among several.

And I like my method of deliberatively underwriting. A book which calms me, which is usually a factual book on science or history, and a blank piece of paper. And I give myself permission to write 0, 1, 2, or 3 "things." And these "things" are short sentences and occasionally, occasionally short paragraphs. And please notice that it's okay to write nothing, too.

Thank you so much - that is such a good point (and I love the phrasing 'the thing where I fear the fear'...I am going to keep that in mind because it is useful & makes me smile!)

I'll try some exposure based on the premise that it might knock me out of my current spiral if I can just stop fearing the fear.

Oh wow! Thank you very much again! I'm sorry I missed your second reply when I posted before AardvarkGoodSwimmer - these are all so helpful.

I am aware of the zen method - for me this works well for OCD...but less well for Panic! I think I will try it again in the future for panic though, once I've gotten out of this bad pattern I'm in now.

I have never heard of underwriting before. It sounds like a great way to absorb ones focus and interupt the worst of the panic or repeating. I think I will get my current favorite book 'The Devils Dictionary' by Ambrose Bierce and try it right now.

I really appreciate your generocity - these were exactly the sorts of positive, creative ideas I was hoping to receive...so much 'self-help' is grueling, disheartening exercises. Ick!

You're very welcome. I'm glad if it helps, if only a little.

I've kind of adopted the view of jazz improv toward self-help. A set of skills which I can draw from, maybe use this one or that one on a particular occasion, rather than something heavy and ponderous and self-imposed obligation. This has been a slow process for me, as I do tend to be an over-serious person.

It really does help - a lot - thank you.

I also tend to be very serious (extreme over thinker!) so adopting a philosophy that is inherently relaxed and flexible in its approach to self help techniques sounds really useful. I am going to make a list right now that will be my lineup of "jazz improv" techniques that I can choose from next time I need one. It will be a relief to shift away from the very rigid approaches I have been using.

Underwriting & trying not to 'fear the fear' have helped already - thanks again.

I had panic attacks for 6 months, they were hell! This book cured me of them.
Self help for your nerves, by Dr Claire Weeks
It explained why i have them, and how to stop them completely.
It worked absolutely with me.
Don't be put off by the title, its a fairly old book.
You can buy it on Amazon, or anywhere that stocks a good range.
Feel free to PM me if you need to talk about it.

Oh wow - thank you so much!

I am going to get that book immediately. I have tried a lot of self help & research...but having it all put together in one (well recommended!) book would be awesome.

Thank you also for offering to PM if I need to - that is so generous - I really appreciate it. I have never PMed before - so I will learn how that works & once I have read the book, maybe I can let you know how it's going via PM? You are also most welcome to PM me, though, I apologize in advance if my learning curve makes me slow to reply!

Thanks again I am optimistic about trying the book & support from you guys is proving more encouraging than a grouchy old misanthrope like me would have guessed!

Taking the med Buspar stopped my panic attacks. I like that it's specially for anxiety & not an antidepressant or a sedative like benzodiazepines.