Should I Accept Or Avoid Panic Attacks?

Understandably, avoidance techniques are commonly used to cope with the threat of an oncoming panic attack. But let’s face it, it’s the coward’s way out and it will not really help you long-term. Without trying to confront your fears, the goal of not ever having a panic attack will be shifted further and further away from your grasp.

When you decide to avoid a situation altogether because you feel that you are at risk of suffering a panic attack, the result can be that you end up with low self-confidence. Avoidance could only serve to worsen your situation. You may become less able to deal with future threatening situations. I can understand that leaving the situation is a very easy and tempting option but next time you feel like fleeing, there is an alternative that you should explore:

Say to yourself that everything will be alright, so you are going to see if you can hang on for just a little bit longer. Try a few seconds and if you manage that, see if you can manage a few seconds more. Then, at this point, think about what you have achieved. Be proud. Remind yourself that you are in control and that you can leave whenever you wish. This is accepting your situation and emphasising to yourself that you can determine the outcome. We need to understand, accept and respect our own difficult feelings, if we are to overcome our weaknesses and move forward.

If it finally does get to the stage where you cannot hang on any more, leave the situation calmly and with dignity, reminding yourself that you have stayed as long as you feel you can but now, you chose to leave. This is re-iterating to yourself that it is you that is in control of the situation.

When you have left and calmed down, please do try to re-enter the threatening situation again though. Go straight back in and remind yourself that you can leave again if you choose to.

If avoidance has become a real problem to you, consult with your doctor. He may suggest desensitization through behaviour therapy. Psychologists use this therapy to overcome anxiety disorders and phobias. Relaxation is used to overcome fear and anxiety responses.

This can work for some people, although I feel, it is only masking the underlying problem. In my experience and opinion, acceptance, as opposed to avoidance has to be the key to success. But if you choose to go down this route, I wish you every success. It is a useful tool for some people. However, I am not convinced that it is a long-term cure for panic attacks.

For more advice please visit http://www.prevent-panic-attacks-now.com

By: julieak

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