The Messenger - Panic Attacks...There is HOPE

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Saturday, 06 September 2008

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Panic Attacks...There is HOPE

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Written by Karen Muranko

..techniques can
help change how
you react to traumatic
incidents and emotions.

Clients often tell me “All of a sudden, I started having Panic Attacks.” Although they seem to happen suddenly, chances are the attacks were brought on when the subconscious brain remembered a past traumatic incident(s) that triggered the Panic Attacks.

The Open Door Theory as analogy is: a person who went to war doesn’t receive counseling to address the extreme psychological issues that can occur when in battle. Years later, the person hears a helicopter and suddenly dives for cover. The sound of the helicopter triggers the memory of being in battle and ignites the basic survival instinct. Fight, Flight or Freeze.

A client shared details of an accident he had as a teen. At age 14, he was riding a dirt bike, when a car knocked him over, backed up and crushed both his legs. His physical injuries were addressed. His legs healed and he was able to walk again. His emotional injuries, however, were not addressed. Comments he remembers were, in my opinion, rather dismissive.

He remembered being told he should feel lucky he didn’t lose consciousness, but the fact his legs were crushed was glossed over. He felt the accident was his fault. If he had not been at that location at that time, the accident might not have happened. He has lived with Anxiety Disorder for 10 years and the past 2 years, it has morphed into Agoraphobia (fear of having a panic attack in an “unsafe” area, suffers may not want to leave their home). He can’t drive more than a 1/4 of a mile from home. His job is walking distance from home.

Using techniques I shared with him, he is now making good progress. Tapas Acupressure Technique works really well for him and he says using it gives him a deep sense of peace and serenity.

Here are my suggestions for someone experiencing anxiety––long or short term:

As someone who considered suicide when I felt I couldn’t live one more day with Panic Disorder, I reached out. Reach out to someone, anyone, who can provide reassurance. You are not alone.

Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed of having a mental health disorder. Shame and embarrassment are often reasons people don’t seek help.

Explore all options that can help you reach recovery. In addition to conventional treatments and techniques, research Energy Psychology Techniques such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, Psycho Cybernetics, EMDR and Tapas Acupressure Technique––to name a few. The memory will not go away, but techniques can help change how you react to traumatic incidents and emotions.

Realize anxiety didn’t happen overnight and recovery will take time. While it may seem challenging at first, once you achieve recovery, the work it took to get there is all worth it. I can attest to that.

Find a support team that includes a Therapist who understands the needs of someone with Anxiety Disorder, a caring Primary Care Physician, and support from friends or family.

When comfortable, share with people who support you. Breaking the silence about a mental health disorder helps lessen the burden of going through it alone. When I felt comfortable talking about Panic Disorder, I was surprised to find many people were very supportive.

Karen Muranko has been in recovery six years after living with Panic Disorder for 30 years. Her message: There is hope. There is help. Recovery is Possible! http://www.AnxietyWellnessMentor.com
626-289-4835 Karen has been nominated by For You/NAFE Networking Group for 2008 LA Business Journal awards as a Rising Star.

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