MAKING SENSE OF PANIC ATTACKS
by Joe Bolza
Our nervous system has some inbuilt defence systems, which can be activated by a variety of means to "help" us deal with problems, difficulties, dangers and threats. This is usually our anxiety and panic systems. They act to "energise" us, so that we are more physically alert to "solve" the problem. We are also made more mentally alert , so that we are scanning our environment for details about "possible" problems, difficulties, dangers and threats. So our anxiety/panic system are our personal alarm system.However just like any alarm system (say burglar alarms, smoke detectors etc), they are not always accurate in indicating an actual problem or danger. All alarms can have occasions when they act as "false alarms". They go off, and feel and sound alarming, meaning they give a strong sense of danger or difficulty, but nevertheless they can be misleading.In fact we are quite SAFE, problems if they exist at all are likely to be minor.
So a PANIC ATTACK is in fact a FALSE ALARM, and we are in fact quite SAFE.
It initially just doesn't seem that way, because we hate the sensations, and because our minds are very quickly coming up with a range of alarming conclusions.
It's important to understand that it is the strong feeling from our alarm system that actually shapes our thinking, and makes us think "catastrophically", "negatively" "probability over estimations", and does so whether we like it or not. It is the strength of the feeling that makes us strongly convinced that disaster is impending. Nevertheless, our feelings do mislead us (especially in panic attacks).
Most of our work in recovering is to gradually prove to ourselves that many of our fears are way "out of proportion" to the level of danger, and in fact we can be
- Anxious but SAFE
- Panicky but SAFE
Recovery starts when we no longer ASSUME we are in danger, just because we are stirred up. We think again (usually in contrast to the "anxious/panicky thinking") and start thinking I'M SAFE or MAYBE I'M SAFE AFTER ALL, or ITS ONLY A FALSE ALARM.
As we become conscious of the possibility of safety, this then helps train our nervous system to gradually settle down.
Joe Bolza, Clinical Psychologist, specialising in treating anxiety disorders through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Private practice consultations at PADA in Glen Iris or Clifton Hill phone 9489-5247.
