Panic attacks are your friends: The wake-up call you didn’t know you needed

At first glance, the statement “Panic attacks are your friend!” may sound outrageous. After all, panic attacks typically include unsettling symptoms like rapid heartbeat, trembling, and an overwhelming sense of dread. However, there’s more to this experience than meets the eye. Panic attacks can actually serve as important signals, guiding us back toward a state of emotional well-being.

What is a Panic Attack Anyway?

Let’s first define what we mean by a “panic attack.” This term describes a sudden rush of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within a few minutes. During this time, you may experience four or more of the following symptoms:

1. Rapid heartbeat

2. Sweating

3. Shaking

4. Shortness of breath

5. Choking sensation

6. Chest pain

7. Nausea

8. Dizziness

9. Chills or hot flashes

10. Numbness or tingling

11. Feeling disconnected from reality

12. Fear of losing control

13. Fear of dying

The benevolent alarm bell

While these symptoms may seem terrifying, it’s crucial to realize that they are not life-threatening. They serve as your body’s alarm system—a sort of wake-up call urging you to examine what’s going on in your life and within your thought patterns. In fact, these “alarm bells” usually only last for about four to five minutes. However, they can feel like an eternity if you respond to them with fear and anxiety, sometimes prolonging the symptoms for hours.

Your mind and body are trying to help

Believe it or not, your body is attempting to protect you during a panic attack. The goal is to get you to notice an imbalance, primarily in your thought patterns. Have you been worrying excessively? Overthinking? Chances are, if you trace back your actions a couple of hours before the panic attack, you’ll find you were in a state of emotional upheaval.

Rumble strips for the soul

Think of panic attacks as the “rumble strips” on the highway of your life. Just as those grooves on the side of the road shake you awake if you’re veering off course, a panic attack can serve as a visceral, impossible-to-ignore alert. Your body is essentially telling you, “Hey, something’s off. Pay attention!”

The science behind panic attacks

When you find yourself in a state of worry or stress, a part of your brain called the locus coeruleus activates. This region releases noradrenaline, leading to the physical symptoms associated with panic attacks. It’s not a punishment; it’s your body’s way of saying that something needs your attention.

The role of thought in anxiety

How you use your thoughts influences your emotional state. Often, the panic attacks occur when you’ve been stewing in worry or stress, whether you’re consciously aware of it or not. Next time you’re on the verge of a panic attack, consider it a wake-up call from your body, pointing you to examine your thoughts and emotional state.

A practical approach

If you feel a panic attack coming on, try these steps:

1. Stay Put: Find a quiet place and take deep breaths.

2. Distract Yourself: Listen to music, read, or engage in another activity to shift your focus.

3. Don’t Fuel the Fear: Resist the urge to spiral into more anxious thoughts.

By doing so, you’ll likely notice the symptoms start to subside quickly as your body aims to restore its balance.

The silver lining

In summary, while panic attacks are distressing, they’re not your enemy. They’re more like a misunderstood friend who’s trying to get your attention. It’s all about how you interpret this experience. If you see it as a signal rather than a threat, you’re already on your way to a better understanding of your emotional and mental landscape.

So the next time you experience a panic attack, remember: it’s not out to get you. It’s a sign that you need to reassess and recalibrate. Embrace it as a friend who’s a little intense but has your best interest at heart. You’re now ready to look in a different direction—toward peace, balance, and well-being.