Of all the symptoms that a panic attacks sufferer experiences during a panic attack difficulty in breathing would seem to be the one that causes the most distress. Breathing problems associated with anxiety and panic attacks can run the range from hyperventilation where the breathing becomes uncontrollably rapid and shallow, to an almost total constriction of breathing where breathing normally becomes impossible. Because these breathing difficulties are such a common part of panic attacks virtually all methods of dealing with panic attacks, or at least those that don’t resort to pharmaceutical drugs, have as part of their respective methods, controlled breathing techniques of one kind or another.

Deep abdominal breathing done in a controlled fashion is one of the most useful techniques in helping anyone cope with panic attack. A normal stress response during times of severe stress, like that experienced by someone suffering with a panic attack, is a dramatic change in the breathing rate. The breath becomes high in the chest and is very rapid, just like someone trying to catch their breath after strenuous exercise.

This breathing response is only part of the problem. The real problem is that the person having the panic attack begins to focus on their breathing difficulties which leads to an increase in the anxiety and panic which causes even greater breathing restrictions and difficulties

Once our nervous system becomes aware of the breathing problem it gives us feedback that there is a problem and we need to do something about it. Unfortunately for the anxiety and panic attack sufferer they cannot do anything about it. In becoming aware of the problem and knowing they can’t correct it they simply create more anxiety and panic increasing the intensity of their panic attack.

This is the vicious cycle of a panic attack.

Through regular use of deep abdominal breathing the anxiety attack sufferer can begin to develop a powerful tool to help them cope with their anxiety attack. But this is something that needs to be practised regularly if it is to be used during the extreme anxiety and stress of a full-blown panic attack.

It’s not unlike training for athletic event where the body over period of time begins to get used to the activities that you are engaged to the point that they become virtually automatic when they need to be performed.

By practising regular deep abdominal breathing at non-stressful times it allows the body the chance to get used to the technique itself as it becomes conditioned to breathe differently. Once a certain familiarity has been gained with the technique it is very useful to begin using it during periods of moderate stress and anxiety.

As you can see we are taking the breathing technique we have learned in a neutral environment and slowly increasing our ability to use it in the field. In a very short time with regular practice you’ll have access to this breathing technique and be able to use it to help you handle your panic attacks.

However the real benefit of regular deep abdominal breathing is how it changes your nervous system making it less prone to stress and anxiety and thus over time preventing panic attacks from occurring in the first place.

Practising controlled abdominal breathing is very easy. If you have not used this technique before, like any exercise start practising in a slow and easy fashion gradually increasing the length of time you practise this form of breathing.

Also keep in mind that this form of breathing is normal and natural. In other words this is how we are supposed to breathe. If you want proof look at how very young children breathe and notice that they belly breathe more often than not rather than breathing with their chests.

Don’t think of this as learning some strange or weird breathing technique. What you are doing here is simply remembering with some regular practice how to breathe properly once again.