There’s one last attitude I’d like to mention.
And this is a great attitude for dealing with panic attacks especially, although you can use it whenever your anxiety feels particularly bad.
Panic attacks are an extreme form of anxiety. They can sometimes seem to strike without warning, which can make them incredibly frightening.
But there’s one change in attitude that can begin to take away their power.
One of the things that keeps the cycle going is fear of the next panic attack.
We become frightened of the sensations. We desperately want them to stop. We want to retreat, escape or hide.
So instead, try completely reversing your attitude.
Adopt a Bring It On attitude.
“All right, anxiety. Bring it on. Do your worst.”
Instead of retreating from the sensations, stand up to them.
Think of anxiety as a bully — or perhaps a conman who’s been bluffing you.
Call its bluff.
“Come on then. Do your worst.”
You’re no longer desperately trying to make the sensations disappear.
You’re saying:
“I know what you are. You’re anxiety. You’re a false alarm. And I’m not frightened of you.”
It’s a little like the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz.
He appears enormous, frightening and incredibly powerful.
But eventually the curtain is pulled back.
And behind it is just a little man creating the whole illusion.
Anxiety can be like that.
It feels powerful because we believe the bluff.
If you lose your fear of it, it has no power over you.
Panic attacks and severe anxiety can be some of the most scary symptoms of anxiety, but because fear of the sensations can play such a large part in maintaining the cycle, changing our attitude towards those sensations can make an enormous difference.
So face it and call its bluff.
Adopt a Bring It On attitude.
“All right, anxiety. Bring it on. Do your worst.”
Important Principle – – – Attitude – – – Focus Attitude
Present Moment – – – – Acceptance – – It’s Not Me
No Matter What – – – Little Steps – – Persistence
Panic Attack Attitude