Millions of panic attack sufferers around the world are looking for ways to avoid having attacks, and many want to find a solution that does not involve harsh drugs.

Do you remember some of the old movie scenes where a person would be breathing heavily and someone nearby would hand them a brown paper bag help calm their breathing? Well, we always just dismissed those things as hyperventilating from being nervous. However, the fear associated with panic attacks goes way beyond just hyperventilating.

Panic attacks happen when you least expect them to happen. Unfortunately, this is often in a public or crowded place where others around you are trying to figure out what kind of problem you are having because on the surface they don't see one.

These thoughts or "fake fears" can pop up during what might be considered a very ordinary time. You may be driving down a road or shopping at the mall when all of a sudden you are overtaken by uncontrolled thoughts, anxiety and panic.

An endless number of thoughts along those lines can help to launch a panic attack. You realize the thoughts are not reality yet you think about them, you get anxious, and eventually it turns into a repeating cycle of thoughts, nervousness and anxiety that leads to a panic attack.

Some people don't really know that they are in fact having an attack. Here are some signs…

1. Breathing Problems

2. Fast Heart

3. Fuzzy Head

4. Butterflies

5. Head or Neck Aches

6. Tightness in the Chest Area

In addition to the physical signs that may be present during a panic attack, there are often some clear emotional signals as well. Some of these are…

1. Anger

2. Fear of Death

3. Very Sad Feelings

4. Constantly Nervous

5. Lonely

Experts have stated that "fake fear" and imaginary thoughts are often triggers for panic attacks. By developing the ability to control these initial thoughts, you can learn how to avoid panic attacks.

If you are struggling to get live life without the hassle of panic attacks, Panic Away by Joe Barry tells the story of a fellow panic attack sufferer and what he used to control his thoughts.