How to Deal With a Panic Attack | Big Think

TL;DR

Embrace and understand anxiety as part of your history for self-compassion and growth, not as an enemy to be eliminated.

Transcript

well the advice I'd give and if you were my patient I'd be a little different because we'd have a little more time but if I can distill it down to the essence of what we do in a course of therapy the person with panic I can say this from the inside out since you're looking at a panic disordered person in recovery has adopted a posture with regard t... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Anxiety is often seen as the enemy in panic disorder, leading individuals to try eliminating it.
• 🉑 Therapy involves accepting your history, emotions, and memories with compassion.
• 💭 Unhealthy coping mechanisms include avoiding triggers, self-medicating, and controlling thoughts.
• 🥺 Embracing anxiety can lead to greater self-compassion and a more meaningful life.
• 🫒 Focusing on living a purposeful life is more effective than trying to make anxiety disappear.
• 🤩 Engaging in self-reflection and compassion is key to managing panic disorder effectively.
• 🥺 Understanding the role of anxiety in one's history can lead to healthier coping strategies.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do individuals with panic disorder often see their anxiety as the enemy?

Panic disorder individuals perceive anxiety as a threat and believe that eliminating it is the solution, leading to more entanglement with their feelings.

Q: How does therapy help people with panic disorder manage their anxiety?

Therapy encourages individuals to accept and understand their history, emotions, and memories with compassion, focusing on leading a meaningful life.

Q: What are some unhealthy coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety?

Avoiding triggers, self-medicating with substances like drugs or alcohol, and trying to control thoughts to block out painful memories are unhealthy ways individuals cope with anxiety.

Q: How can individuals approach anxiety in a healthier way?

By embracing anxiety as something of importance, reflecting one's history, and learning to hold it with compassion while focusing on living a fulfilling life.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• People with panic disorder often view their anxiety as the enemy, hoping to make it disappear for a better life.

• Therapy involves accepting and understanding your history, emotions, and memories with compassion while focusing on living a meaningful life.

• Avoiding anxiety triggers or self-medicating with substances are unhealthy coping mechanisms.