How can I manage panic attacks alongside asthma and COPD?

[Iamsobloodyfeduprn]

I've been having panic attacks for the last 6 weeks and they are literally spoiling my life.

I have asthma and COPD and when the panic attacks first started I genuinely thought they were asthma attacks as I feel like I couldnt breathe, couldnt catch my breath. It was only after 2 weeks I realised they were panic attacks and not asthma.

In the last 6 weeks I've had 2 COPD flare ups and was given steroids both times, now I'm currently recovering from a chest infection so back on steroids ( so 3rd round of steroids in 6 weeks )

I carry a neck fan with me everywhere now as the cool air helps calm me down. They don't even last long I'd say maybe around a minute, 90 seconds most but every single time, even when I'm telling myself I'm fine, just breathe, my brain is screaming at me that I'm dying and I'm going to suffocate

It's obviously not helping that I've been ill for a while now, but I can't even walk up my stairs without my body having a panic attack. I'm so frightened leaving my house I can't go out alone atm

I talk to myself calmly, tell myself it's going to be okay, but that internal voice panics so much it just takes over. I'm so fed up, what can I do to stop them?

Try this video;

s

In short being afraid of a panic attack is what keeps them coming back. Stop being afraid – because no matter how bad they feel, they can't hurt you – and the panic attacks will stop.

Lorazepam is really good too for people with COPD as a short term measure.

Oh you poor thing, prednisone is most likely contributing to you feeling like that giving you the racing heart, jitters etc.

Self refer to NHS TT for CBT. They have a chronic conditions pathway to help people in your situation. It will help a lot. Not being able to get your breath is scary. Also do you have a local community COPD service as the specialist nurses there can help with managing this kind of thing.