This guy understands panic disorder like no one I've ever heard

I went into this video scared for my job and livelihood but now I feel like I can get through this and get on with my life. Edit: I've been shot at in Afghanistan, almost blown up, but these panic attacks are the scariest things I've ever faced in my life. So if you're reading this you're not alone. We'll get through this.

This happened to be one night at 43yrs old. I'm a male who never had any problem with panic or anxiety. One night after I took 4 to 5 pulls off a joint.. 20min later I'm thrashing myself up against the hallways in my house trying to keep myself from "dying" or blacking out. To the sink to splash water on my face, my peripheral was darkening, heart pounding, dread and doom overcame me, I was no longer in control, my breath was short and I felt like I was about to die. 911 was called, went outside and told 911 operator that I'm about to collapse. EMT guys were ignorant goofs and treated me like a drug addict. I barely smoke weed, I had a few puffs.. something happened that day that sent me over the hill and it wasnt just the weed. I took me an hour to calm down, I felt alone because the EMT people treated me like I was a junkie, They left me in a hallway in the hospital, no one was trying to help me, I felt like I was going to die there. Finally a nurse came, she helped me, she wheeled me into a room, talked to me, gave me some warm blankets and water, explained to me that everything looked fine, vitals were OK (besides the heart rate) which came down. They left me there for 4hrs.. another nurse came in about 1 and half later. Gave me a small white pill to put under my tongue, within 25min I was totally calm. I made it through this. Since then I have had 1 more nasty one and a few what I call "nearlies" and a bunch of weird subtle random disorientation type moments that happen fairly frequent. This entire thing changed my life because although they are pretty harmless, the 1st one really changed the way I view my life, that your end can come whenever and suddenly, I would imagine that people before they die often feel those exact feelings and It gave me a very real and intimate new found relationship with dying, my reality in this life and just how fickle and uncertain things really are. Ok maybe this sounds morbid but this experience has taught me things I never knew about myself and it made me more courageous in a sense about things, it altered my view on my existence and after I have grappled with these feelings of impending doom a bunch of times... I don't fear it anymore and has given me a confidence I never had before, I'm much more in control of situations that could have started my anxiety to flare because I have gotten a handle on this thing and in a weird way, I don't fear dying anymore.. I mean let's face it, the only reason why panic attacks suck and are scary is because it mimmicks death and we don't want to die.. but since I have accepted my mortality and accepted that we all just live on a tightrope of death every single moment of our lives, this understanding has kind of freed me in a weird sense and I'm much more bold because of this situation, I fear less now about it which makes me fear less about other things because what's scarier than feeling like you are going to die? Nothing! So once that is conquered everything else seems like nothing. Turn this thing into a positive and do not let it control your life.. if it comes it comes, let it come, invite it.. I don't care anymore, since I have developed this mindset things have really gotten better for me. Peace and love.

I wish I could take away everyone’s anxiety and panic. This really is one of, if not the scariest things I have ever gone through and I know I’m not alone. Dr Barry is such a blessing. I remember when I was younger I would hear people talk about anxiety and I would always say, “get out of your head”, “move on with your thoughts”…. Little did I know. I wish I could tell all of those people how sorry I am for saying that 😢

Accepting the feelings as they come and embracing the panic is the best way to overcome panic attacks, you're not alone, you're not in danger

I watched this video a few dAys ago right in the middle of a terrible panic attack...tried his technique of accepting the panic attack now I'm free of panic..thanks very much for this video it literally saved my life

I'm 23 years old now and since the summer of 2015 my life has changed due to my first panic attack when i ended up in hospitals doing all kind of checks of course I am in perfect health but still struggle to overcome this sensations, when it starts I usually feel like I am about to die because my heart is racing and I feel like I can t breathe and that my heart will stop,also my hands get numb and I have a forhead pressure like like my head is going to explode, however I am trying to embrace the situation like nothing will happen and seems to be better for a while now, I hope all of us here which fight with anxiety and depression will look at this video as a memory of our brave journey couse one day this is all that is gonna be, a memory. Have faith y'all, we can do it !!

His strategy: During huge anxiety attack, or fear imagine yourself glued to the ground in one spot. You feel incredibly stuck and you want to scream you feel like you're going mad, and fight and run away but he says you just sit there and float with the anxiety, let it wash over you as in a big wave. It's nothing more than adrenalin and when you stay put the amygdala eventually turns off.

I remember, I was five days in to my first panic attack. Nothing helped, nothing made it seem less like the world was ending. After five days, I was finally able to shuffle my way upstairs to my office and turn on my computer. I KZfaq how to stop panic attacks what it was and everything about it, and then, right when I was about to shut it off, I found this video and a third of the way into this video I started bawling. The supreme accuracy and detail of my symptoms being explained in a thoughtful way, reminding me that I’m not going crazy that it’s not gonna last forever that it is the most common thing in the world, saved me. it was only after finally watching this video that after five days my panic attacks went away. It’s been three years and I am just coming down off of a panic attack. This is the first video I go to when it’s happening and it helps me every single time. we are not crazy, and this isn’t going to last. I trigger the attack because I’m afraid of triggering the attack. Thank you for this video and all you’ve done for me in my life.

This guy has just relieved me from my worst panick attack yet! Its 2:30am now and its finally stopped after 2 hours. Thank god we have men like this in this world. I'm gonna finally get some sleep!

Every time I feel anxious and panic attacks. I watch his video. And just listen to him will calm me down.

For the people who are here because you're currently dealing with severe anxiety, I just want to let you know that the feeling of dread and being terrified that you're going to have another one can go away. It won't last forever. I'm just here after being panic attack free for a few years now kind of reminding myself that it is ok if I ever do have another one and that this is kind of a way to maintain my work on staying panic free. One thing that very quickly pulled me out of my last one was writing every word that pops into your head onto paper and keep doing it until you don't feel like you need to anymore. If it starts again, write again. The BEST cure for anxiety is distraction. During my panic attacks I can't focus on anything, so using my hand's muscle memory to write the words that are popping into my head makes me focus on writing them down and less on my panic. I wrote 10 pages before it stopped. Some of it makes no sense which I fully expected because I was panicking. Some of it was kind of heart breaking. I remember rereading it after it was over and seeing "Please help me." and I felt compassion for myself which was not something I ever really did before. Above all else, just remember that it does not and can not last forever.

@8:25 “UNCOMFORTABLE BUT NOT DANGEROUS” Those words SAVED MY LIFE from anxiety & panic attacks. Saying those words “uncomfortable but not dangerous” calms me down & I become happy 😃 This Dr is a god! God bless him 🙏🏾 Dr Harry Barry!!! 💙

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” -From the teachings of Muad'dib

I'm still fighting these. I was having 5 or 6 a day. Now I go a day or two with none. Stay stong 💪

I’m bawling right now. I fight my own mind every single day at work. As soon as someone comes up to me, my legs tense up, I start to overheat, I can’t breathe, and I become terrified that I’m going to panic in front of them, or panic so badly I need to walk away (I work in customer service). Listening to this helped me so much. “Uncomfortable but not dangerous” ❤️

I’ve got a tear in my eye these panic attacks have been hell anybody else out there going through this I wish you luck getting over it! for me listening to this really helped me understand what was happening to me what a good man thank you 🙏

This man saved my life , bless you doctor💪

Man this quy is awesome. The day that I watched this video was the day i started feeling better.

I am crying, I am so so happy, because just hearing this is helping me so so much!

I love him so much and I never write reviews. He is so soothing and calming, it s incredible.

We need more doctors like you.

It’s amazing how some many people say oh you’re just having a panic attack or you think too much. Those people don’t understand that this a disorder and from the time a person with anxiety/depression disorders wakes up to the time they finally fall asleep their minds are racing thinking the worst of every situation. If you’ve had a panic attack and have talked yourself down congrats to every single one of you because as I do everyday knows it’s one of the hardest things to do. Hope everyone has a terrific year. Thank you Dr. Harry Barry

I effing hate my panic attacks...so debilitating. I will do as he recommends and just accept it when they happen and hoping and praying to God I can overcome this

I watched this in the middle of a really scary (even if harmless) anxiety attack with seemingly uncontrollable tremors/ muscle spasms. However, the very moment I heard "this is all designed to protect you, not to kill you" it completely shut down and after a quick shower I was outside with my friends having the best of times. Never happened again. I just taught myself to differentiate actual danger from "paper tiger".

I've had generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks for 20 years this year. I am 41 years old and for whatever reason I am just now fed up with it enough that I'm going to fight it and stop just living with it. I rarely have an actual panic attack out of the blue actually they have been narrowed down to only when driving on the freeway alone and anything that deals with heights. My issue is I spend the entire day anticipating the next attack and constantly looking for ways to avoid them. This avoidance thinking is what brings on my panic attacks. I have decided to face my fears but without help from people like Dr. Barry and the support of other's living with anxiety and panic disorders it won't be possible. Thank you all for sharing and lets support each other.

This man knows what he's talking about. The ONLY way i'm able to get past panic attacks is by just accepting the symptoms and letting them come and go. I personally shake uncontrollably and would at first try to stop the shaking but when i learned to just let it happen, it would be over way sooner than when i tried to stop it.

I've never heard a doctor explain my symptoms as well as Dr. Barry. I'm almost in tears of joy after watching this.

I have suffered from anxiety for 20 years since I was fifteen. Life has literally been hell on earth and I can’t describe without crying what anxiety has done to me. Listening to you helps calm me down.

Watching these videos of him saved my life 4 years ago

Sometimes the hardest part is to first accept that what’s happening is actually just a panic attack. Then at that point you have to face the fear head on for what it is. Distracting yourself or running from the fear won’t work, but being strong and feeling the discomfort is shockingly effective

Where is the love button?

today is Tuesday morning. this Dr. is a god send. I was panic attacks daily and bc of him I haven't had an episode since friday. my quality of life has improved ten fold in only four days. Panic attacks are uncomfortable not dangerous. Best sentence I've ever heard. Thank you Dr. For helping me get my life back. I feel so good I cry tears of joy now not of fear.

I watch this video every time I start feeling like I'm having a panic attack and it works to calm me down every time. So thankful he uploaded this video.

A great human being

This video has brought me down from about a 9/10 to a 4/10. God bless this person

Why you stop uploading ? You have no idea how many people now can enjoy life again...

This helped me quit benzos cold turkey when no psychiatrist would take me for a month. Hardest experience and month I've ever been through. Palpitations, vibrations, muscle twitches. Eating was an anxiety trigger so I lost twenty pounds. Laying down triggered my palpitations and chest vibrations so I had to gradually recline my body over four hours to sleep. Couldn't do anything other than lay in bed and sit on the edge of bed for the first few weeks. Using my phone for more than a few minutes even caused panic. Constantly arguing with myself over whether I was having a heart attack and going to pass out. So fucking horrible I can't explain it. I haven't had a panic attack in 10 months. Thank you so much.

Wow his voice alone calms me down

I have shared this video with hundreds of people on different social media platforms. After having panic attacks every single day for 4 months straight, tried multiple therapists, doctors, medications, etc. This video was my saving grace. Nothing else worked for me.

I recently had panic attacks due to workplace bullying and it's the worst feeling ever. Hyperventilating, palpitations, heightened sense of fear. Crazy. I am not doing well, unfortunately. But I will be seeking help professionally. Let's all fight our monsters. Let's do it together.

One of the best doctors in Ireland his books are brilliant for helping mental illness

This was solid advice and the first time I was able to ride out a panic attack without spiraling out. It’s been a week of sheer hell but I’m beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. I can’t keep living like this.

this understanding can actually save a lot of lives and stop suicides...

Every time I had my panic attacks I watch this video clip , my fear will go away . Awesome guy doctor . heaven sent . Thank you very much

This video is how I overcame panic attacks

Dr Harry great explanation and hope to one day have you on the anxiety guy podcast.

I had 2 days of panic attacks continually I thought my life was over. Next time I will take his advice

Remembered to play this in the middle of a bad one, instantly felt better. Thank you

I really need a doctor like u 💔

I love this video so much that I want to cry. I’ve suddenly been dealing with panic attacks more frequently the past year due to a lot of different stress factors and now it happens when nothing is wrong, I’m laying alone in bed, nothing wrong around me and my heart rate keeps jumping and my feet and hands are going in and out of being sweaty and hot and I’m not having a full blown panic attack but I can tell my body just WANTS to have one. It’s crippling and happens especially when I’m driving and when I am entertaining friends for too long or when I’m too tired ! Right around 12 hours of being awake everyday, I get panic attacks! It’s exhausting.

You are an angel.... May god keep showering blessings on you....

I can't even explain how much this Doctor's videos have helped me with my panic attacks. Every time I'd feel one coming, I'd play his vids. Can't thank him enough.

My last panic attack was so bad I had temporary memory loss... that was even scarier then the panic attack. I will try this method the next time it happens.

im here again , after like 6 months of panic free "i do running and now training for a half marathon". it hits me again but im facing it like a man . Reading all the comments here feel me at ease

Thank you thank you! I found you in the middle of a bad panic attack...tried fighting it and it was worse. Your advice is very helpful. I'm not dying or losing my mind.

100% true. After 1 year I am finally at the point where I just let it happen. The thing I find most rough now is the recovery the days after. I usually feel worn-out and like absolute horse sh*t. One thing I'd like to add: Don't ever pity yourself, that will bring your mood down and keep you brooding all day. If you catch yourself thinking or saying 'this is so hard, I don't want it...etc' . Stop it and find something to do. Just keep moving and keep living the life you want. Even if it's going to be scary and uncomfortable.

had an episode this morning in my own home. I calmed down in an hour or so, and I started to feel better by the hour. I lie down to go to bed and start to feel the attack creep up on me again and I kept saying to myself No, this isn't going to happen again. I didn't feel as bad as I did earlier, but I searched for videos to maybe help me. This one really did help-- my heartbeat is slowed, my hands and feet aren't cold, my stomach doesn't hurt, and my breathing is normal again. Thank you for all your advice 😊

I’ve been going about it all wrong. Trying to prevent or distract before a panic attack. From now on I’ll let it wash over me ❤

I found this video 6 years ago and it literally saved my life. I was having panic attacks almost every other day in and out of hospital and EMT always at my house. Everytime I feel panicked I remember these words and apply them in the moment.

I've been having crippling panic attacks for over a week now...your advice has helped tremendously!

I faced my fear and today I am completely free from panic attacks.....it's been 5 years since I watched your videos Thank you doctor, you are God for me...you gave me a new life 🙏🏻

I wish I could see a doctor like you....my panic attacks make my life an absolute living hell. Even as I'm typing this I'm having a horrible panic attack that has been going on all day.

I had panic attacks 4times in a row 4days after each other and this helped me a lot i am now almost 6 months panic attack free and stronger than ever , everything will be fine if You belive and be positive nothing will happen to you belive me what i say if u have a panic attack nothing will happen its only mental

Hi Dr. Harry! I honestly can’t thank you enough. You have helped me so much with my anxiety. I was always carrying the “uncomfortable but not dangerous” line with me when I was going through panic attacks. I’m all better now, all thanks to you. Sincerely appreciate everything that you do to help us. Kind regards, Connie

the music is pretty relaxing

it makes me feel like im weak, and that im a child, or that im not as strong or as tough i think i am, it attacks my ego, but i am slowly learning that its ok, its not my fault, im not weak, im not soft, im not a child, im ok, and im not in danger.

He is so calming. Every time I have a panic attack, I just listen to him speak, and it calms me down. Thank you so much Dr Barry.

Wow... 10min of trying this technique out and it worked. I cant believe even the little things that seems harmless we use to 'distract' ourselves from the panic, like turning on music, calling friends, running outside for air, actually perpetuates the symptoms more. I just stood still there looking out the window, feet glued to the ground, not letting the butterflies in my stomach/groin area force me to move. And the symptoms started dissipating. Very freeing. Thank you. This is truly priceless....

I fuckin' love this man. He truly understands anxiety and panic attacks. By only listening to him explaining, my anxiety and panic attack slowly fade away. What an amazing person.

Acceptance is key, ran away from panic attack for so long. Now I just ride the waves! My anxiety is so much better these days. Don't let setbacks knock you back! It's all part of the process! The more you accept the stronger you become 💪

I am suffering since years and everybody laugh on me and said that I am lazy but nobody understand how I am feeling ! I can’t breath and cried non stop and don’t like to go out ! I can’t concentrate on work , I lost job , totally tired of this feeling

Excellent doctor and scientist! He is firstly a remarkabke human and secondly an excellent professional!

I have had a phobia of vomiting since I was a child and I also experience bouts of vertigo caused by crystals in my ears to get out of whack, My panic disorder started last year as I was driving and I could not see and felt extremely dizzy and feeling like I was going to throw up. This was the start of a whole year of panic attacks that last for hours. I had bouts of dizziness at least 3 times last year that makes me so nauseated and I think that just primed me more panic attacks. I now cannot leave my home. I have tried many ways to help calm myself down and I understand panic attacks are not dangerous but I fear how long it will last and if I will throw up. I now have panic attacks at home almost every day and can no longer drive.

I think this man might have just saved my life. And reading all the comments from other people like me has given me hope.

you are a anxiety relief God, why don't more people know about this! I was having bad panic and constant anxiety for months the doctors wanted me on xanex or atavan and I refused to drug myself but I was on the verge of giving in until I saw your videos and the day I watched it is the day they stopped! no kidding! now I tell myself come on give me your best shot and nothing happens lol

You've helped me more then I dare admit .

Every time I feel like I am about to have panic attacks I listen to this. Nothing has helped or worked like this .

Been suffering for 16 years.. 2019 I've gone back it's come back stronger I'm weaker..

Thank you so much doctor! I am 24 and suffering from panic disorder since my first panic attack episode back on May last year. I have never seen someone explain this topic so accurately. I was feeling like I wasn’t going to overcome this because when I am having an episode I do everything I can to stop it immediately. From walking outside at any time of the day or night to breathing exercises and nothing seems to work, it actually made it all worse because I was constantly thinking if these were working and touching my chest to check if they had. The episodes would easily last about an hour, which was extremely exhausting. Now with your method it all makes so much sense and I just let the symptoms float over me. Always keeping in mind that they are uncomfortable but not dangerous. To everyone out there struggling with panic disorder. Please note that you are not alone and it is very possible to overcome it.

He has helped me in just a few minutes. Remarkable man.

I can't stop crying,,,, I have EXTREME panic attacks it feels like I will die i've ended up in ER so many times thank you so much

Anxiety has been ruining my life recently, this has helped me so much. I can’t thank you enough kind sir

Your my hero I literally thought this was going to be something I had to deal with for the rest of my life but after listening to what you said I’ve felt like I’ve finally have hope towards a stress free life .god bless you .Ps I’m gonna try to go to church again and see if I can be a better person also

You should do videos on health anxiety

Dr Barry I have been struggling with panic disorder for 20 years I'm 40 and my gp in blackrock Dublin suggested reading ur books it been a total game changer thank you so much

I've watched this video at least 30 times. Nothing has helped me more.

I went to the hospital to emergency department for two times because of (i feel my heart will stop , and I can’t breath well and I had pain with my chest and I couldn’t walk at that time ) and when they checks me they told me that there is nothing wrong with me 😳 I don’t believe them at that time and it takes a lot of time to understand that symptoms was a panic attack when the symptoms come I only talk to my brain that there is nothing wrong with me ... and the symptoms disappear like magic🙂 Thank you doctor for this video ... I'm sure it will benefit many people who suffering from panic attacks and they didn’t know it before like me And I am looking forward to reading your book about anxiety and panic

He is extremely smart.... After explaining exactly what the attack is and what it does to the body makes things seem so simple and he speaks so calm that makes me understand and relate better thank you so much ... Dr Harry

What a beautiful man, thank you. And it's a small thing, but having soothing music while talking (being Irish doesn't hurt either) brings feelings of peace with the words. Really helpful.

Thank you, Dr Harry Barry!

I have been experiencing these for 8 months straight. I used to get them once in a long while, but now it's every single day. Panic attacks, full blown panic attacks, don't last at their peak for too long, true. But, the feeling of anxiety is with me 24/7

Thank you Dr. Barry. I was watching this video while in the middle of a panic attack. it really helped me center my mind as to what is really going on with me. one step closer to being panic free. thank you so much and God bless you.

This is just amazing, I’m speechless. Thanks for this amazing video and for putting it out there to help people like me

There is no video like this that TOTALLY CALMS ME DOWN like this one! Good work!

Can't tell you how helpful I found this!

Brilliant. I never thought of actually fighting the panic attack head on like that.

This really help me calm down my panic attack

Wow this is amazing!

Thank you for doing these videos. The way you explain things gives me hope :)