Can Panic Attacks Hurt You? 

There’s no two ways about it: panic attacks are frightening.  But can anxiety and panic attacks hurt you physically, not just emotionally? The answer to this question is no — and yes.  Here’s what I mean:  While panic attacks can be emotionally draining and cause an intense sensation of fear, there is no evidence that they can physically hurt you “when they are happening.”   

You will notice that I tacked on the phrase “when they are happening” to the end of that last sentence, and here’s why: there is ample evidence that panic attacks (and anxiety in general) can weaken the immune system, leaving your body vulnerable to a wide range of physical ailments. There is an enormous amount of research data demonstrating that anxiety, panic attacks and even everyday stress is detrimental to our health.

But the health effects of panic attacks are not immediate.  They posed no threat to you “in the moment” even though you may feel like you’re about to pass out or die.  The real threat from panic attacks is when they become a way of life, when you begin suffering with anxiety on a regular basis.  This constant strain takes its toll on the body as well as the mind. 

That’s why it is so important to be proactive, and actively work to reduce both the intensity and frequency of panic attacks. So don’t worry; panic attacks cannot hurt you, no matter how horrible they feel in the moment.  But remember, living with panic attacks CAN hurt you over a long period of time by weakening your body and shattering your confidence.   Don’t allow yourself be a victim.  Take action to get help for your panic attacks before they become not just an emotional problem, but a physical one too. JM
www.easyalm.com

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It came to my attention long ago that many anxiety sufferers tend to focus inward (on the self) to an unhealthy extent. I have been as guilty of this as anyone, and developing the habit of “outward focus” made a huge difference in my life, and helped eliminate the symptoms of generalized anxiety that I struggled wiuth for so many years. In fact, practicing focusing your attention on others is one of the best tips for generalized anxiety. The way to get started is to think about how you can help others, and what you can do to make someone’s situation better. It is ironic that focusing on helping others ends up making us happier and calmer too, but you know what they say, “Life gives to the givers and takes from the takers.”

 What can you GIVE?

Normally, when we are stuck on the “hamster wheel” of obsessive thoughts and anxiety, other peoples problems are the furthest thing from our minds. We tend to be all wrapped up in how WE can feel better, and what WE need. But by turning this focus around 180 degrees, we can end up helping both other people AND ourselves. Generalized anxiety doesn’t really thrive in a mind that is focused on giving and helping others — at least not for long.

None of this is meant to imply that generalized anxiety sufferers are selfish or uncaring — far from it. But it does imply that many (if not most) people dealing with these issues tend to fall into the trap of “thinking too much,” and particularly, thinking of themselves and their state of mind too much.

Right now, at this moment, you know someone who could use your help, attention, understanding, affection or encouragement. We all do. Why not try a little experiment: the next time you begin feeling anxious, try turning your attention to this person, and what YOU can do to help them. I’m not suggesting you put other peoples needs ahead of your own all the time,  or forget to take good care of yourself;  just that you reduce the amount of time and energy you spend dealing with your own issues, and focus more of this attention on someone else’s situation, and positive steps you can take to help them.

 Helping others is the best way to help ourselves

I will freely admit that working with other people to reduce the stress and generalized anxiety in their life has helped me too. Sometimes, even writing an email to someone or a blog post like this will help remind me to focus outward more, and to turn my attention to others, and what I can do to to help them. Giving of yourself is a powerful tonic for generalized anxiety (and many other problems). Forgive the cliche, but another old saying just came to mind:

“You only get what you give”

Take care,
Jon

www.easycalm.com

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