I'm having panic attacks

Panic attacks affect many people in many different ways, but there is usually a sudden, frightening feeling that something really awful is about to happen, with strong physical symptoms. This can cause people to feel that something more serious, such as a heart attack is happening.

As the feelings are unexpected, strong and often very physical, they can feel extremely frightening. Panic attacks are very common. They are not dangerous and are not a sign of serious mental or physcal illness.

But we can help you, and there's lots you can do to help yourself. Take a look at some of the resources below.

Self-help guides

Download any of these self help guides for free. They'll help you to explore and understand some of the ways you're feeling, and offer practical ways you can help yourself.

Panic self help guide

Panic (PDF)
Panic audiobook (MP3)

Courses for you

Our Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service provide a range of mental health courses that you can access for free.

If you're feeling stressed, anxious or worried about anything, they can help. Their support ranges from online groups to one-to-one video appointments.

They can also introduce you to Mindfulness, a technique which can help you relax, and help you if you're living with a physical health condition that's causing you to be stressed or worried.

To book your place on one of the courses simply call the team on 0114 2264380 or you can book your place online by filling in a self-referral by clicking here.

Local and national help and support

There are loads of self-help resources that you can access for free online. Some of the resources are provided by charities based in Sheffield, others are from organisations who work across the country.

Resources have also been developed specifically to support you with the things you might be struggling with during Coronavirus.

To take a look at the free resources on offer, just click on the box below.

Support in Sheffield

Sheffield Mental Health Guide - this website is a great resource that pulls together all the NHS and charity run mental health support available in the city into one place.
Sheffield Flourish - a charity organisation who run the Sheffield Mental Health Guide. They run a number of mental health groups in the city and have lots of support available on their website.
Sheffield Mind - another local charity who provide emotional and practical support to people living in Sheffield.

Support in the UK

Anxiety UK - they provide practical support, advice and guidance on living with anxiety, with specific information on anxiety during Coronavirus.
Every Mind Matters - this is a national campaign run by the NHS which gives you lots of useful advice on mental wellbeing, access to resources and even an app to help track your mood.
Five Ways to Wellbeing - the five ways to wellbeing is based on evidence that there are five key ways to improve your mental health and wellbeing - connect with other people, be physically active, learn new skills, give to others and mindfulness.
Mental Health Foundation - they are a national charity who provide tips on better mental health, how to look after yourself during Coronavirus and advice on day-to-day things that impact on our mental health such as housing, finances, employment and relationships.
Stress Control - this is an online course used by NHS organisations across the country, including our very own IAPT service.
Silverline - this is a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people which is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Apps

There are lots of apps that can help you to improve your mental health.

You can try many of these for free, others that you may have to pay for a subscription. Below are some free apps that we'd recommend trying:

Calm Harm - this app is designed to help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm
Catch It - learn how to manage feelings like anxiety and depression through looking at problems in a different way and turning negative thoughts into positive ones.
My Possible Self - take control of your thoughts feeling and behaviour by learning simple skills to manage fear, anxiety and stress.
Sleepio - an online sleep improvement programme for anyone who is struggling with falling asleep, or staying asleep during the night.
SilverCloud - an online course to help you better manage stress, anxiety and depression.

Want to talk to someone about how you're feeling?

If you've tried out some of the self help resources for panic attacks and you'd like to speak to someone about how you are feeling the best thing to do is to talk to your GP who can make a referral to one of our services.