Dealing with Panic Attack and Anxiety Disorder - Continued
In the first part of this article we evaluated ways of dealing
with panic attack or anxiety disorder and why the road to recovery is highly individualized. In this second part we will continue to explore other ways of coping.
Fight, Rather Than Flight
Okay, so you’re a passive person, that’s your personality, but it’s hurting you, so how do you change it? First of all, understand that assertion and aggression are two totally different things. You don’t have to go around popping people in the jaw to assert yourself, and you don’t need to argue with everyone to become less passive in your dealings with other folks. What you will need to learn to do is to ask for what you want; even if you have been taught since you were a small child that it is rude to do so. It is not rude to ask for something for yourself, but how you do it definitely matters. If aggressive people make you nervous and anxious, and dealing with them is something you have identified as one of your panic attack triggers, there is nothing wrong with saying, “Would you mind lowering your voice when you speak to me?” You are still being polite, but have asserted yourself and put your needs out there. (And, chances are that the aggressive person will be so surprised that you have asserted yourself, they will back off immediately.)
Why is the Linden Method the answer? Click Here to find out!
Tell yourself that your needs matter, because they do. Try looking at yourself in the mirror at least once a day, and developing a mantra of sorts to say to yourself—something like, “I am a worthy person. I am deserving of the respect of others. My needs are valid and they count.” You have to believe it first, before anyone else will. It’s okay to take baby-steps, particularly if you have been taught all your life that you should be seen and not heard. You will not be able to change a life-time of short-changing yourself in a few days. It will take some time. Doing this is a great way to build your self-esteem which can, in turn, lessen your chances of having panic attacks.
Dealing with Panic Attacks Means Growing Your Self-Esteem
Never, ever underestimate yourself or your abilities, and do not hold yourself in contempt because you may suffer from panic disorder. Just like with alcoholism or drug addiction, the first step is to admit that there’s a problem. But, it is a problem that can be fixed and you have the ability to start wrenching on it yourself. So, maybe you need professional help, so what? It does not mean that there’s something inherently wrong with you. Look at it as an opportunity to become a better person.
Why is the Linden Method the answer? Click Here to find out!
If it helps to think about the example you are setting for your children, then remind yourself that they deserve to grow up knowing that getting help when you need it is okay. They deserve to grow up knowing that they can ask for what they want (in a most polite way), and that believing in yourself is imperative, because other people will not always believe in you. Dealing with panic attacks first and foremost means believing in yourself and your ability to overcome negative things in your life. Start now by telling yourself that you are worthy of living free from attacks, and that you deserve a better quality of life by refusing to allow anxiety and panic to win.
