I can now look back on having experienced panic attacks in a positive light, although that wasn’t how I felt at the time. I was confused by what was happening – and frightened. After the second attack I went to see my doctor who was sympathetic and understanding. She took the time to explain to me exactly what was happening.
Various forms of anxiety medication were prescribed, but I confess I largely ignored it. Instead, I sat down to think. I decided that whatever the panic attacks were, they were certainly telling me that something wasn’t right in my life. I couldn’t see how treating the symptoms with a pill was going to help me uncover and treat what was causing the attacks. Only I could do that.
Looking back at the time when they began, I’m now only surprised that I didn’t have one sooner. But I’m really thankful that I eventually did. Yes, you read that right, I am thankful. Although I wouldn’t wish them on anyone, I understand and appreciate the ultimate benefits they can bring – if you choose to look for them.
For me they proved to be a turning point in my life which was, at the time, giving me little satisfaction. I also realize now just how lacking in awareness of my body and my self I really was. The panic attacks were my subconscious telling me that all was not well with my life. They were trying to wake me up to a few rather uncomfortable truths.
Panic attacks can serve a useful purpose.
But now for several years I have been free from panic attacks. I state that proudly; not to gloat over you if you have yet to put them behind you, but to encourage you, to help you see that distressing though they are, they do end. Whether you have had them for just a few months, or for several years, you have the opportunity to turn this experience into something positive for you and to start putting them behind you.
I now know a lot of people personally who have all gained to a greater or lesser degree from having had panic attacks. As you read through this site I hope you too will find ways in which you can start to turn this difficult phase in your life to your advantage, as well as taking reassurance from the knowledge that you are not alone in what you experience, that you will come to no real harm when you have a panic attack, and that they can, and do, eventually end. Does that make you feel better already? I hope so.
Panic attacks can and do come to an end. They have for others, including me, so why shouldn’t they for you?
Panic attacks are very unpleasant, but they can serve a useful purpose in your life – if you choose to see them that way
- You are not alone in what you experience
- Knowledge and understanding are important to gaining control over them
- You are already making progress towards living a panic-free life by reading this website
Let’s start by taking a good long look at this ‘monster’; staring it straight in the eye, and demystifying what happens to you during a panic attack. Prior knowledge and understanding can help take the fear away about what is happening or what you think might happen. Then no matter how big the monster is, if you have no fear of it, it simply doesn’t matter at all.
