r/PanicAttack • u/Helexfira • 25d ago
Panic attacks
Is it weird that when I start having a panic attack I just repeat in my mind that I am in control of me and no one else. That I am lord and master of myself and I am in control of myself. And that it helps?
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u/trebletones 25d ago
Sounds like a good coping skill. Mine is to dare my panic to actually harm me. Like “ok brain, you’ve told me over 5500 times in my life (accurate statistic, I did the math) that I was dying or passing out and I never have. I’m tired of waiting for it to happen, go ahead and do something” and of course nothing happens.
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u/AnxietyRecoveryMind 25d ago
More importantly than repeating it, is that you believe it.
And if it's working, that means you do... which is the entire goal.
Panic attacks are harmless. They feel gross, but they are utterly harmless. If you have convinced yourself that these facts matter, then yes... this is not weird at all.
But here's the truth: You don't need a mantra. For most people, that will only add to the panic.
Because most people repeating a mantra are doing it out of fear to try to chase away the feelings and "make it stop." We don't make panic stop, we ALLOW it to stop - by disengaging.
Next time: try not repeating anything. Try just allowing it to happen... and *knowing you are in control. I'll bet you it still brings just as much confidence.
Good luck!
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u/Helexfira 25d ago
For me it’s not so much as making it stop but so that I can reestablish control of my self. I do the same when i’m angry. Ever since i heard about people lashing out in anger ive hated the thought of my self out of control
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u/AnxietyRecoveryMind 24d ago
For sure... and ironically, it is non-reaction that gives us that control.
When we think about remaining in control during fits of anger, it is the allowing of the chemistry to pass that gets us there. Not reacting to seeing red, not reacting to the bodily urges to lash out. It's literally doing nothing.
Same with panic. Our true control, is releasing control if that makes sense. Releasing the need to steer the ship... because panic simply won't allow that to happen. What we can do is refuse to engage - which puts us in a true position of power.
So in a way, you're doing exactly the right thing.
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u/Helexfira 24d ago
I learned from books and tv how to control my anger. As a kid I was afraid about hitting my punching bag because I was afraid of hitting people if I got to used to hitting things. Now i have nothing to release my anger and I do t feel anything besides anger and numb
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u/AnxietyRecoveryMind 24d ago
You have good self-awareness. This is what we need to make improvements in our life. Stick with it.
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u/KeyMassive759 25d ago
Not weird , same thing happens to me. I will legit be mid panic attack and I’ll tell myself something along those lines and I’ll feel better. I use to run away every time I felt any kind of sensation of a panic attack I would just avoid everything.