One day I was traveling in a New York City bus. Suddenly I started gasping for breath. I was sweating and trembling with a strange, unknown fear. My heart was racing crazy. I felt it'd be difficult to survive the next few minutes. I didn't know the reason why it was all happening to me.

I just took the name of Lord Jesus for some time. I suffered like this for about 10 minutes. This was the most terrifying incident in my life!

Many other changes were happening with me later. I started to isolate myself from others. Going out in public and shopping at my local deli was a terrible experience.

My friend suggested me Panic Away book to understand about my problem. Then I understood I was suffering from anxiety and panic attack.

So I didn't wait any more. I went to the Harlem Hospital Centre (affiliated with Columbia…) as an out patient to meet Dr. Janet Taylor. I told her everything that's happening with me.

Dr. Taylor confirmed that I was suffering from panic attacks. And she made it certain that there's no threat to my life. It was a great relief to me.

I was on medication temporarily. Later, she suggested hypnotherapy (as alternative medication). I didn't have any guess that I could relax so fast with that!

I was taken into medium trance. Then I got suggestions from the therapist for total body relaxation (for letting go of physical and mental tensions). He instructed me to count from 1 to 20. With each number, I went into deeper trance. I felt as if my breathing was stopped!

I experienced such great peace in every cell of my body.

It had a great soothing effect on my mind and body. So I learnt self hypnosis. I daily practice "neutral hypnosis". That is- I enter the hypnotic state and DOESN'T give myself any specific suggestions.

I simply be in the trance and enjoy the serenity. Even when I get out of the trance, I feel the calmness. Along with hypnosis, I also took behavior therapy to over come the panic attacks.

Besides, I also used  Calming Words  (a self help kit). It's the best way to de-stress. Especially I love Relax on Cue. It's an audio I would use every evening before going to sleep.

I think prescription medication works timely and may have side effects. So I strongly believe hypnotherapy works excellent because it deals at the 'root' level.

By the way, hypnotherapy improves self-esteem, raises motivation and provides you control over the relaxation process.