If you are one of many people who suffers from anxiety or panic attacks, you know well the fear and frustration that go along with them. Fear that the next attack is right around the corner, and frustration over feeling helpless to stop the problem. Here are 8 helpful hints to deal with and stop your anxiety and panic attacks.

1) Don't beat yourself up! Millions of Americans (and tens of millions of people worldwide) suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. It's not your fault, so learn to love and accept yourself just the way you are!

2) See a doctor. Medication could possibly help, but you must visit a doctor to find out.

3) Try counseling. Some people (although not all) experience an event after which their attacks began. The death of someone close, losing your job, or some other form of trauma could be to blame. Therapy might help you with issues that are behind the panic attacks.

4) Look for free help. If you can't afford traditional counseling or medical help, check online or in the yellow pages. Universities and free clinics offer options for those temporarily strapped of cash.

5) If free help isn't an option, talk it out. Find a friend or member of the family you trust and let them know what's happening. It's incredibly lonely to suffer a problem without other people knowing what's happening to you. If your family and friends are already aware, that's great. They can provide a healthy support network for you.

6) Meditate. Panic or anxiety attacks often are the result of increasing feelings of fear, or the voices that everyone hears telling them "Oh no, it's starting!" that we think we have no control over - but you can, through meditation. Meditation is basically stilling the voices in your head so that you can achieve a certain amount of peace. Investigate further online, but dont' be intimidated: meditation can simply mean sitting with your eyes closed and concentrating on breathing slowly in and out.

7) Lead a healthier life. Panic attacks are often tied directly to physical conditions in the body, like high blood pressure. The healthier you are, the more able you are to deal with your anxiety. So eat right, stop smoking, and exercise, and you might be amazed at how much less often you experience your anxiety.

8) Consider alternative therapies. From Emotional Freedom Technique (i.e. 'tapping') to various cures aimed directly at curing anxiety and panic attacks in a drug-free manner, there is a wealth of information on the internet. Always consult a doctor, though, because anxiety can sometimes be cured through medication. But if the only option your doctor suggests is to dull your senses with antidepressants, consider alternative therapies.