.
I can relate buddy. I used to have panic attacks all the time when I was out around people. I would get paranoid and couldn’t look anyone in the eye. I can’t really tell you what has worked for me because I have done just about everything there is including medication. You are not alone. Try Yoga. It might help.
With love.
.
Hi Neil
Good to see you back on the board 
. Anxiety issues are very, very common - and this coming from somebody who was hospitalised a few years ago utterly convinced I was about to die of a heart attack. Obviously I didn’t die. In fact, after a whole bunch of tests - ECG, chest x-ray, full bloods etc - the quack came over to me and said, “well Mr Parker, there doesn’t seem to be much wrong with you”. Last year I cycled 125 miles in one day. My heart ain’t gonna give out anytime soon. But I still worry about it.
And Neil, please don’t be too hard on yourself for any perceived lack of faith. Yes, of course, the closer you feel to God, the less you will worry about anything - but even Jesus got scared in the face of death, and he was closer to God than any person who has ever lived. Don’t beat yourself up for being human mate.
All the best
Johnny
Hi Neil -
Panic Attacks do not indicate that your faith isn’t strong enough old chap. They indicate that you are human and have a problem with anxiety - that’s all 
I had one a couple of years back - my only one.’ I had been under huge pressure, had hardly left my house for any significant time for six months - and then I went up to London which was teeming with people and sat watching a packed and hot theatre. I’d had just become unused to crowds of people that’s all.
Now don’t be too hard on yourself. Of course I’ll remember you in prayers.
Dick
.
Great advice from Johnny and Dick.
I agree 100% with what they’re saying, Neil. This really isn’t a spiritual issue, it’s psychological and probably (at its root) physical. I’ll be praying for you, but if the problem persists or worsens, medication can make a huge difference. You might not even have to take something all the time…just have something on hand to take to abort the attack when it starts. Stress management techniques, exercise, adequate sleep and (as Cole suggested) yoga can all help.
.
Neil,
Meds are certainly an option. They’re not the first option I’d try, but there’s no shame in using them properly if that’s what you need. As Steve said, it’s likely as much a physical, constitutional problem as anything YOU are doing. That said, there are some things you can do to relieve anxiety. I really recommend you find some form of meditation. I don’t mean anything pagan. Meditation is every bit as appropriate in a Christian as in a secular context. When you use it as an avenue to connect with God, it becomes prayer – but I don’t mean tucking your prayer list in your pocket before you start your jog. That’s good, but it isn’t the kind of meditative, contemplative prayer that will help you to rest in Father’s arms. Look up some books on Christian meditation, and/or some websites. This can be a big blessing in anyone’s life, but especially for those suffering from anxiety issues.
Love, Cindy
Hi, Neil,
As someone who is no stranger to panic attacks, I can empathize with you. They suck. And a conviction that one is having a heart attack is one of the most common forms a panic attack can take (although not one I’ve felt personally), because the symptoms feel so similar.
If I remember correctly, you are a college student, as well, correct? Perhaps, then, you were over-stressed about university and thereby experienced some physical symptoms of that stress. However, not recognizing its source, you figured you must be physically ill. During my senior year of high school, for example, I developed an eye-twitch! (That physical manifestation of stress went away–thankfully–once I graduated.)
Being active helps, but since jogging and running can rapidly increase your heartbeat, perhaps you could try walking for awhile instead. I have an extremely fast pulse, so I stick to walking for this reason. And walking helps calm the nerves and clear the mind substantially, too.
Blessings to you,
Kate
.
.
Aww So sorry to hear that!
I will most def keep you in my prayers and thoughts!! I havent had much dealings with anxiety or panic attacks but I have had my bouts of really deep and dark depressions. And your right…Cabin Fever can do all sorts of things to our mind (speaking of myself whom only is able to get out of the house once a week for a couple hrs:() Just wanted you to know Im thinking of you and will be praying:)
Blessings:)
Carrie
.