Are we more susceptible or something? My panic attacks have increased from maybe 1-2 per year over the course of 10 years to now once per month. It is usually triggered by a "symptom," like my left arm hurts or chest pain or a weird feeling in my head. I know it is health anxiety. My health anxiety turns into panic. I'm smarter than this. I know I'm okay, but, what I can't figure out is why I can't make them stop. For instance, last night I was in bed and my chest was hurting, although not bad, and my left arm felt funny. Well, this happens to me A LOT, and I tried to tell myself, "Okay, you are fine. You've had these feelings a lot and you are always fine." I knew I was fine, but, my body goes ahead and leaps in front of me and starts to panic. I am willing myself, pleading with myself to calm down, but it is like my body and my mind won't come together and cooperate. Once I start, it doesn't stop. I took a xanax and it took me an hour to calm down, shaking all the while. I hate the shakes. I feel so weak. Such a weak, pitiful person. Most people think I'm so tough and strong (I put on a good front). But, I'm really just this horribly weak individual who can't get a grip on myself. I don't know what I expect in replies. I just had to get this off my chest. I need to do yoga or something, but I don't even know where to begin to help myself.