DISCLAIMER

Please always remember that there is no quick fix for any mental health issue. In order to overcome it, you have to address your problem and ask for help a mental health professional. There are many mental health institutions where you can find professional support. Suffering in secret is never a good idea. Mental health professionals are out there to help people with any type of mental health issue. Don’t minimize your problems, sometimes everyone needs help and there is nothing to be ashamed of. If you find it difficult to go to the mental health institution just call a helpline (you can easily find a number online and it’s free!)

Remember you are not alone even if you feel this way. Many people have mental health problems especially in today’s world where it becomes more and more difficult to cope with stress and anxiety.

Something really bad happened and triggered an anxiety attack. You really didn’t know what was coming… till now. This all came out of nowhere and it just keeps getting worse. Every second that passes is bad, worse than a previous one. The adrenaline kicks in like an electromagnetic impulse that just spreads throughout the whole body. Your body temperature just like the sense of disorientation continues to increase. Your stomach is flipping and your heartbeat is abnormally strong. Vision and hearing get heightened. Colors seem more intense and shape more focused. Every sound becomes painfully loud and frightening. Both your mind and body are corrupted by the raising anxiety that quickly turns into a panic attack. Your brain switches immediately on a survival mode. But the worst is still yet to come. Prepare yourself for this because you’ve just reached a gateway to hell. It’s not your first time though so you should be fine. Just breathe. Close your eyes and count up to ten. Feeling better? Not so much, right? Doesn’t really work that way, does it? It’s not a piece of cake… it never is. Because the struggle is real. You can barely breathe. Desperately trying to catch your breath you only complicating things. It’s no longer anxiety but a panic attack that has already left you paralyzed.

The stress you are experiencing reached a dangerous level. It is impossible to die from anxiety, right? Well, I dare to doubt it. However, for your own good, you need to distract yourself a little bit. Distract yourself by being present and mindful. Sounds illogical? Only at the beginning when your mind decided to take control over you. But instead of doing this you start asking yourself: What the hell is happening to me? What the f**k caused this rollercoaster? What now? What have I done to deserve it? Oh God, please help me. Don’t let me die here in front of a crowd of people. Don’t leave me here alone. I am so scared.

Everything started with a brief thought, scent, sound, touch or gaze. You are not sure yet what has really caused this extreme emotional state. All you know is that your brain instantly switches into survival mode. You are scared of making any move because the real danger can come from anywhere. This emotional and physical pain isn’t going to disappear any time soon. You are absolutely sure about that, because well it’s not the first time anxiety and frustration kick in.

Time has stopped… You start changing your fists to the point where you get this shooting pain that spreads throughout the whole body. Dangerously high level of anxiety starts dropping. Heart rate and blood pressure return to normal. You can finally take a deep refreshing breath. Your whole body starts getting enough oxygen what in consequence makes your brain chemistry return to normal. After a couple of deep breaths survival mode switch into a regular one. You don’t have to be scared, because there’s no danger anymore. You are safe until the next anxiety and panic attack. (My post about managing panic attacks like a boss here)

Smart Ways to Deal with an Anxiety Attack

Prepare yourself:

1.Practice mindfulness

2. Meditate

3. Stay in the present moment

4.Breathe

5. Use an anxiety self-kit

What doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.

Through the pain comes catharsis and spiritual growth. It makes you a real warrior. You should be proud of yourself. Never forget about this. Being able to survive an anxiety and panic attacks is your superpower. The most intense and authentic one. You are a survivor. That’s who you really are. Never forget about this.

Take care

xx