subject: Tips For Overcoming Anxiety Attacks [print this page] Author: Michelle Spencer Author: Michelle Spencer
One of the most important things to remember about coping with anxiety and panic attacks is that you will come to no harm. Constantly tell yourself this. Panic attacks are unpleasant, but despite this, you know they really are all bark and no bite. And if you think about it, what you are experiencing is the result of a protective measure your body has taken. The adrenalin it has released is in readiness to fight off any threats to you, or to take flight away from them. It is trying to keep you safe from harm. So how could you come to harm because of it? Remind yourself of this. You are not having a heart attack, you are not losing your mind, you are not about to lose control or faint. You might shake a bit, perspire heavily and have a strong heartbeat, but they can't harm you. There is nothing to be afraid of.As you recall these things, take reassurance from them and stop trying to fight off these brave attempts your body is making to keep you safe. Accept what it is trying to do, and go with it instead. Even though your knees do feel wobbly, you know that it will eventually pass because it always does. If you can, try to take the opportunity to discover as much as you can about the attack while it is there. Be inquisitive about it; it will help you go into it. It will also provide you with more important 'inside' information which will be useful to you afterwards in helping you to understand it fully.Understanding and overcoming anxiety attacks is about being aware of the personal power you have over your self and your life. As you come to understand and accept this fully, it will help you with your attacks. They are within your control, because they are yours. You may not be able to control someone else's panic attacks, but yours belong to you and you can do with them what you will. Being fearful of them is a negative stance.Pro-actively deciding to accept them instead is a positive way forward, and evidence of you taking and exercising your control. It is a subtle shift in awareness, but is a vitally important one. Try to remember, and take reassurance from the fact that they are ultimately within your control; not by attempting to repress them, but by acceptance of both them and your own personal power.Use positive affirmations to help remind you of these things. Be your own friend and support. Learn to trust in yourself - you will be much more reliable than a pill or sip of water or alcohol. And the pay-offs are much better.About the Author:
There's many different ways of coping with anxiety attacks, but in order for any of them to really work you first need to accept that they can you no harm, and that you have full control over them. Only then will you be successful in finally eliminating your symptoms of anxiety attacks for good. Get my free newsletter and self help tips to find out how.
