Imagine you’re sitting at home watching T.V. Suddenly, your heartbeat and breathing gets faster. You’re convinced something terrible will happen. You’re experiencing a panic attack.
But you’re not alone. Anxiety and panic attacks are a common mental health condition and cognitive behavioral therapy can help.
What happens to the body during a panic attack? The brain’s sending signals to the adrenal glands to release adrenaline, the fight-or-flight hormone. Your mouth gets dry. Your breathing and heart rate increases. You experience an adrenaline rush, like rocket fuel pouring into your body.
Someone who experience panic attacks may fear having a panic attack again, but fighting a panic attack makes it worse. Doing things like breathing exercises or getting out of a building for fresh air sends danger signals to the brain, making a panic attack worse.
In his book, “Flagging Anxiety & Panic: How to Reshape Your Anxious Mind and Brain,” Harry Barry describes a technique in which you do nothing, but let the adrenaline wash over you, as if you’re glued to the ground. With time, your brain will register there is no danger to be averted, and your panic attack will subside.
Note: This article does not diagnose or prescribe any treatment. For any medical or mental health condition, seek professional help. The author is not liable for misuse of the material.
Dr. Syeda Imbesat Maheen is a writer and an artist.