subject: Panic is Pain with a C [print this page] Panic is Pain with a C Panic is Pain with a C
Well, orthographically speaking (and anagrammatically as well, I suppose), this is of course correct. But, actually, pain is a useful thing whereas panic just isn't.
Pain is a message to stop doing something. And the memory of it tells us not to do it again. We can even imagine how something would be painful if we did it putting your hand into the flames, sticking a finger in your eye we intuitively know that these things are going to be painful, not from previous experience but from knowledge of other painful things, from experience of life.
Panic on the other hand is perfectly useless!
Useless and debilitating.
It does not help us to concentrate the mind, it does not improve our understanding of potential dangers, it doesn't help us to avoid things, it isn't a warning helping us to stop doing something. Panicking is just useless!
When you panic, when you have an attack, when you get exceedingly anxious you get tight-chested, your mind blurs, you can't think rationally any more. What use is that to us?
None!
So this is why we have to do something about it. We have to rise above panic, we have to control our attacks, we have to learn that this will only lead to isolation, exclusion, depression and probably a whole collection of other "ion"s.
Panic attacks are usually irrational, they are not based on any real fear, any probable event you're not going to scorch your hand, you are not going cause acute pain and blind yourself. Panic isn't based on anything substantial, real or very often even likely!
Medication, alas, is often the first remedy sought. And this can offer solace if not actual benefit. But ultimately, mind over matter, or in this case lack of matter, is the only permanent solution.
And what could the "C" stand for anyway if all panic is, is pain with a C?
Cowardice, Cold sweat, Consternation, Cold feet, Calamity, Collywobbles, Creeps, Cowering, Cringing: all possible you complete the list.
But what it certainly doesn't stand for is Caution, Consciousness, Confidence, Courage.
