Independent medical expert answers
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Self Treatment for Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

Written by: Gunborg Palme telefon 08-664 60 92, authorised psychologist, authorised psychotherapist, teacher and tutor of psychotherapy. Press here for more information.
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 22 Jul 2008.

Abstract:

Yes, you can learn to handle panic attacks on your own.

Question:

Could I learn to handle my panic attacks on my own?

Answer:

When we are in pain, we are trying to find the reason why and an take appropriate measures. If, for example, your foot hurts underneath, it could be a corn and you ask a pedicurist to remove it.

Anxiety is a way for the soul to express that something is wrong. It is the soul's pain system. Anxiety means that your soul is hurt. Anxiety wants to tell you that there is something in your life that is not right or that you have some kind of problem you need to solve. Here is how to cure yourself from anxiety :

Lie down on your bed and concentrate on the unpleasant feelings of anxiety. How does your body feel? Try getting in intensive contact with the strong feelings of discomfort. Do not get up! Feel! Experience the worst feeling you have ever felt! Stay in this state of discomfort until it has reached climax and starts to subside!

You may need to repeat this each time you are feeling anxious. Deal with the uncomfortable feelings by letting them get worse and worse instead of running away from them. You are afraid because you think that the feelings of discomfort might never go away. But an average panic attack usually lasts for not more than ten minutes. The more intense your feelings of anxiety can get, the faster they will subside.

It is possible that your psychological defense mechanisms will switch on and you are suddenly not feeling anything at all. You might then need help from a skilled psychotherapist to be able to move on.

An anguished experience like this will often lead to a better understanding and gradually you will realize the truth and what you need to do.

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