Where does it all start? What causes a panic attack?
Nothing on the outside causes your panic. That is an inside job. You cause it. Let me explain.
It all starts between your ears, even on a subconscious level, with negative internal dialogue. You begin by obsessively anticipating something in the past or future. For example, “What if I get into the car with my friends tomorrow and I need to get out? What if I can’t catch my breath? What if I do or say something stupid? What if I embarrass myself? What if they won’t stop the car? What’s wrong with me? Am I going crazy?”
Frightening messages like these send signals to your brain, “It’s time to respond, we’re in danger here!” The adrenaline response is triggered, releasing a flood of cortisol, sodium lactate, and adrenaline into your system. And now you begin to experience physical symptoms. Your heart pounds. Your chest gets tight. You begin to breathe out of rhythm. You begin shaking. A spacey feeling of confusion clouds your head.
Now your mind turns inward out of control. Your thoughts are spinning in a cyclone of fear. “This is it. I’m in deep trouble now. What if I have a heart attack? What if I die?”
The road to a panic attack always begins with negative internal dialogue. The way home is the path of acceptance, trust, and change in perception. In this weeks’ session, you’re learning the six-steps to put an end to panic attacks. You will learn to face this head on, let yourself float through it, using your new skills. You will discover that when you no longer allow it to frighten you, you’ll see it can’t hurt you. There is no need to run.
You are your safe place and your safe person.