Exigency
Panic attack maybe? Just thirty minutes ago I wasn’t able to breathe properly, it kind of got hard on my lungs. Apparently the usual suspect on Friday evening to cause all this is *biryaani* I had choked while binge eating biryani — right at the end I started to feel myself in “hard to breathe” category. At first I walked out of my room for some air, there to verandah and there to outside. Nothing seemed to have alleviated but only aggravated. I rushed to my apartment asked my friend to take me to hospital
I don’t remember the discussion myself and my friend had on the way to emergency, all I can think of is trying to breathe heavily. The ER doctor did not even ask what my name is, he asked me sit on a chair and he checked my pulse. I could literally hear my heart sing lyrics from “Hotel California” — This could be Heaven or this could be Hell
I can only see eyes, with mask mandate I couldn’t see their smiling faces that’s trying to hide pain or loss. Each of their eyes tells a story of what they would be doing right at this moment rather than telling tales in emergency waiting room. An old lady watching a video of prolly her grand children or her fav tik- tok artists on loop.
While walking through the doorways looking for the radiology room — too many thoughts passed by. With each room that I crossed, I see faces that have no expression that are staring towards me. And I think to myself — what if I am in that situation because I abused my body — does that make me feel happy? To every human being who think rationally , the answer is usually NO!
It’s so silent that I can hear the radiologist wiping the area that I sat with disinfectant wipes.
It is good that I’ve experienced panic attack now as it helped me think deeper than usual. I think to myself why am I afraid to live free? This question kept me thinking and I answered myself with the idea that I would be dead bored (or) lifeless when I don’t know how to spend the spare time. Empty brain is not only useless but it could be harmful too. In order to escape the weird train of thoughts it is better to keep it occupied by doing something — let’s call it a job for now.
If a person develops skills then there wouldn’t be an instance where one asks themselves “what do I do with this spare time?”
Enough about philosophy, the intention behind writing this blog is to help people understand panic attack
Disclaimer: I am not certified psychologist and this is purely a collection of information that I’ve gathered later experiencing panic attack, most of the information is gathered from various sources available online. Kindly DYOR or consult a psychologist (or) mental health counselor if required.
Panic attack usually happens when brain thinks your own anxiety is dangerous. Usual symptoms are increased heart beat, shallow breathing, sweating and increase in body temperature, numbness in body and intense fear that we are going to die. These all are fight (or) flight response that brain triggers. If at any point you start to experience these symptoms — try to train your brain that these all are own manifestation. Just because you had panic attack that doesn’t mean anything’s actually wrong with your body. The entire reason for body to keep you in fight and flight mode is to prevent anything dangerous from happening. Ironically no matter how hard you try to trick your brain that you have the panic attack the brain does not trigger the above responses, it is only unless your brain thinks of anxiety as dangerous.
How can one stop a panic attack?
If you keep experiencing panic attacks often then you must seek counseling.
- Certain medications such as Benzodiazepines (Xanax) can help treat the symptoms of panic attack. In some cases doctor may prescribe anti-depressants for long-term use.
- Notice what is/are the panic trigger(s) — ( identify the physical feelings associated with anxiety, that stimulates feelings which set off panic ) and address them with mindfulness.
- Observe your body during the first panic attack (if experienced) and start telling self that story and pay attention to the similar situations with care which will lead to more anxiety and possibly trigger panic.
- Practice mindfulness, as panic attack can cause feeling of detachment from reality, practicing being in present can combat that feeling. Recognize the emotional state you are in, focus your attention on present, meditate regularly — that eventually reduces stress and helps you relax.
Useful links, References
- https://abpp.org
- https://www.abct.org
- https://www.academyofct.org
- https://members.adaa.org
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-a-panic-attack#12-ways-to-stop-a-panic-attack
- https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/anxiety-fear-panic/
- https://www.pccoforegon.com/how-to-stop-a-panic-attack-the-definitive-guide-2020/
