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Hey Chantelle.
I hope I can help a little, I studied psychology and specialised in anxiety disorders.
Unfortunately panic attacks are very common. And usually some meds like anti-depressants will help a little, so please go see your Dr.
But mostly panic disorders wth agoraphobia benefit from cognitive and behavioural therapy, which to be honest is quite intense but will really help.
It basically involves gradual exposure to social situations, and to experience your panic attack (if it develops) in public without avoiding the situation. It is so important to try and stay where you are, practice deep breathing techniques and tell yourself you are safe and try to counteract your irrational thoughts such as "im in danger". If you stay in the 'feared situation' until your anxiety has decreased and not escape the situation, this is what will ultimately reduce the frequency of your attacks and you will be able to face social situations without feeling any fear.
Hyperventilating is what causes all the other physical sympotms such as dizziness, nausea, short of breath, trembling, sweating, etc. and feeling like you are in danger. So if you can control your breathing it will prevent the full on panic attacks.
You can also just start by visualising your self going grocery shopping, or out in public somewhere and telling yourself that you are not in any real danger.
Also, ppl with wo experience panic attacks feel like they are having a heart attack due to their symptoms, but keep telling yourself that your physical reactions are a normal response to hypervntilating, and you can control them.
Which you have already hit the nail on the head so to speak - when you said that you know that you are not in any danger, so keep telling this to yourself and you will get better and hopefully experience less panic attacks.
As for your wedding, speak to your DR and or psychologist and they will have a better idea if 4months is realistic for you.
Best of luck Chantelle!!
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