I've been having them for a couple of years now, but there's a couple of techniques I've been taught that really help me. One is to focus your gaze on something, such as a window, a lit candle or a picture*, even a blank wall, and concentrate on it to the exclusion of everything else. As you do so, try to consciously slow your breathing, listen to yourself as you breathe in and out as slowly as you can. You will no doubt be very aware of your heartbeat racing, but as you continue the breathing exercise it will start to slow down. Keep looking at the picture or whatever it is, keep breathing slowly and bit by bit, everything will come back under control. It takes time depending how bad the panic attack is but it does work.
* If there's nothing to look at, you can close your eyes instead, but you'll need somewhere to sit safely if you do. The object is to shut out everything around you while you concentrate on the breathing.
You can do that one anywhere, but the other exercise needs space to lie down flat. You lie down with your arms at your sides and, as slowly as you can, tense up your muscles starting at your feet and working up to your head. Hold that tension for a count of 10 then slowly relax from your head to your feet. Repeat as often as you need to. I often do this one before bed.
If you have concerns about any treatment you're well within your rights to discuss it with someone before going ahead. Is there some urgency to it that they need to do it so quickly?
