980: Ready For Anything Building Your Panic First Aid Kit

In today's episode, Gina shares steps you can use to build your very own anxiety-panic first aid kit. Having easy to deploy self-care and calming practices at your fingertips can help make your experience and overcoming of anxiety-panic quicker and more tolerable. Listen in and gain insight into selecting core practices that will help you withstand even the most dramatic panic attacks and keep you progressing towards recovery and long term peace and calm.

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What is anxiety?

Quote:

In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.

–Albert Einstein

Chapters

0:00:43 Building Your First Aid Kit for Panic

0:02:07 Exploring Panic Attacks and Assembling Your First Aid Kit

0:03:05 Understanding the Symptoms and Duration of Panic Attacks

0:05:47 Recognizing and Diffusing Fear and Anxiety

0:09:05 Techniques to Stimulate the Parasympathetic Nervous System

0:12:39 First Aid Kit for Panic Attacks

0:16:10 Distraction tools and coping mechanisms for panic attacks

0:18:05 Utilizing grounding techniques and reaching out for support

Summary

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we delve into the topic of creating a first aid kit for panic attacks. We start by reflecting on a powerful quote from Eleanor Roosevelt about facing fear head-on and deriving strength from those experiences. The host, Gina Ryan, stresses the importance of not letting panic attacks intimidate us, but rather confronting them directly. Panic attacks can be incredibly overwhelming, especially for individuals with anxiety or panic disorder. Ryan explains that having a panic attack first aid kit can be a valuable resource in managing and navigating these episodes. She goes on to describe the common symptoms of panic attacks, such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, and the fear of losing control. Although panic attacks may feel never-ending, Ryan reassures listeners that they typically last for a relatively short period of time.

To construct an effective panic attack first aid kit, Ryan advises listeners to incorporate resources and techniques from the Anxiety Coaches Podcast. She emphasizes the importance of educating oneself about panic attacks, highlighting the fact that they are not life-threatening and will eventually pass. Ryan suggests utilizing relaxation techniques, grounding methods, and sensory stimulation to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. By slowing down and signaling to the brain that everything is okay, individuals can help counteract the fear hormone cascade that occurs during a panic attack.

However, Ryan makes it clear that a panic attack first aid kit is not intended to be a permanent solution, but rather a valuable tool to rely on in times of need. Furthermore, she recommends having easily accessible water and snacks, particularly if hunger or prolonged periods without eating are factors. It is crucial to eat during a panic attack, as plummeting blood sugar can mimic the symptoms of anxiety. By addressing this drop in blood sugar, individuals can prevent the release of cortisol, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. Carrying water and non-perishable snacks like granola bars or nuts is a practical way to combat dehydration and low blood sugar during a panic attack.

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