Is it Panic or is it Excitement?

If you have had a panic attack, it is understandable that you might dread ever having one again. You might be fearfully watching for the next one to strike.
 
You might have become hypervigilant for any physical signs of an attack brewing.
 
One of the ways this might affect your life, is that you start interpreting normal bodily sensations as signs of an impending panic attack.
 
Let’s say your initial panic attack resulted in a rapid heartbeat, sweating, or faster breathing.
 
What are some situations that might cause similar physical sensations? How about running, working out at the gym, dancing, or sexual excitement?
 
So let’s say you are starting to enjoy these activities, but as soon as your physical sensations kick in, you start panicking, because it reminds you of a panic attack.
 
This causes great anxiety and fear, and may cause you to stop these enjoyable activities.
 
What if the panic attacks you have had made you feel woozy, and your legs felt all wobbly like jello? Are there situations that might cause similar sensations?

How about after a hard workout, or when you haven’t eaten and need nourishment?
 
What if you could consciously decide that you are wobbly because you need some rest after your workout, or you need to eat a snack or drink water?

Might that help calm your anxiety?
 
What if your panic attacks have started with shaky, trembling hands? And now you are about to give a presentation at work, and your hands are shaking?
 
Does this have to be interpreted as a panic attack coming on, or could it simply be the natural anxiety and excitement that many people feel before public speaking?
 
Toastmasters International says that the fear of public speaking is ranked as second only to the fear of death. So if you are nervous and shaky when giving a speech, you are in good company!
 
It is important to have your health checked out by a medical practitioner if your panic symptoms resemble a medical condition.
 
 Once you have a clean bill of health, the typical recommendation is to remind yourself that “this is not a medical emergency; it is just panic, and it will pass.”
 
Consider taking this a step further, to “maybe this isn’t panic; maybe it is just a natural physical reaction and I don’t have to brace myself for an impending panic attack.”
 
To shift your mind toward more enjoyment in life, and less worrying that a panic attack is just over the horizon, try to look at your interpretations and come up with interpretations that are more normalizing.
 
Maybe you have just met a new romantic interest, and you feel your little heart going “pitter-patter.” Why take the enjoyment out of this exciting moment by comparing it to how your heart races during a panic attack?
 
Maybe you are running or working out, and having sensations that remind you of the panic attacks you have had. You could tell yourself, “this is how it feels to be strong and active, working out and feeling the physical sensations that go with it.”
 
You get the idea. So have fun now, playing with interpretations of your own, to make your moments more enjoyable and less frightening.
 
Take the Next Step:

If you are struggling with anxiety or panic, and want professional help, contact me to discuss how we might work together.
 
I offer free 15 minute phone consults to people living in California, to see if we are a good fit to work together.
 
I offer Walk and Talk therapy sessions in person in Marina de Rey, Ca.
 
I offer telephone therapy sessions throughout all of California, which is the state I am licensed in.
 
Credit cards, Debit cards, and HSA cards are accepted
 
 
Kate Boswell LMFT is a therapist in Marina del Rey, CA. She helps anxious young men and women become calmer and more confident. She helps adults of all ages who are struggling with stressful life changes.
 
Nearby communities served are Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Venice, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Culver City, and Westchester.
 
Kate Boswell is licensed by the state of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist, License No. LMFT 20851. Contact Kate at (310) 658-3158.
 
Disclaimer/Terms of Use: This website and blog was authored by Kate Boswell LMFT for informational and educational purposes. It is not intended to replace any medical diagnoses or treatment. Nothing on these pages, or pages they link to, shall be construed as medical advice.