Panic Attacks and Agoraphobia

This is a very informative article..I have experienced some panic attacks in my life and as I talk to folks..more and more have also or have agoraphobia.   Love and Light   Lhynn

Agoraphobia and Panic Attacks
copyright 2003
Claudia McNeely

I suffered from agoraphobia and panic attacks for many years. I was unable to drive, standing in line at stores was usually more than I could take, eating out was a horror because I was afraid of choking, and eventually I could not even go to my mailbox.

With no warning, my heart would start racing; my hands would feel as if they did not belong to me, I would feel like I had risen up above my body, I would be terrified.

Agoraphobia and Panic Attacks seem to build on themselves. First I had anxiety attacks when driving, then just getting into a car, then I had to stop driving all together, then I couldn't stand in line at the grocery store, until years later, I was almost totally homebound. The anxiety feeds on itself. The more anxious you get, the more you panic, which makes you more anxious, which makes you panic more, and on and on.

Anxiety, Panic Disorders and Agoraphobia can be cured. I want you to understand that before we go any further. You can take control of your panic attacks. You can take control of your life again.

It is not an easy path to recovery. I spent many years programming the fear into my consciousness. Changing this programming takes time and effort. But if you stick with it, your life will change forever.

The first thing to  learn is that a panic attack is not going to kill you. I know this is a hard concept to get when you are in the middle of a panic attack, but this is a very important step to healing. You will not die from a panic attack. If you can make yourself remember this when you have a panic attack, it will help.

Let's start with a little exercise. What is the worst thing that can happen when you have a panic attack? Write your answers down. Just understanding that it can't kill you, empowers you and gives you control over the panic attack.

The next time you have a panic attack, pay close attention to what you are feeling. Truly experience each and every emotion and sensation. And remember to BREATHE through the attack. When we become stressed, we have a tendency to stop breathing or take very shallow breaths. This makes the attack worse. So, remember to breathe deeply and slowly at all times.

Let's assume you are experiencing a panic attack. Your heart begins to pound, so you remember to breathe slowly as you focus on each beat of your heart. Count them if you want. Pay attention to your heart and what it is doing. Next you become light headed and feel as if you are not in your body. Again, remember to breathe and notice what this feels like and the emotions it brings for you. After a bit, you notice the symptoms stopping and all the sensations and emotions that go with that. You feel relieved that you have survived another attack. By paying such close attention to your panic attacks, you take some of the power away from the panic attack.

Another helpful exercise is to do affirmations. Always start your affirmations with ‘I am.' In the Bible, God's name is given as ‘I Am'. By starting your affirmations with ‘I am' you are gathering strength from the spark of God that is within you. If you start an affirmation with ‘I will be' you are putting it into the future tense and it will always be something that is just out of reach. You can make a tape to listen to if you choose. ‘I am strong.' ‘I am in control.' ‘I am safe.' ‘I am protected.' ‘I am calm.' Whatever is important for you.

Meditation and self-hypnosis tapes are also helpful. Use anything that helps you to relax. Soothing music, nature sounds, waterfalls, etc. I highly recommend carrying or wearing hematite. Hematite is a shiny gray stone that is wonderful for absorbing stress and grief. Hematite has helped me through many hard times. Black Tourmaline is another stone that is good for removing stress, as is Smokey Quartz. Let the crystal kingdom assist you through the stress. Lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang are calming scents that can be used.

I also highly recommend the ‘Feelings Prayer' from the book ‘Feelings Buried Alive Never Die'. It is one of the most powerful self-healing techniques I have seen. It will help you to release the emotions connected to your panic attacks. Once you release the emotions causing the attacks, there will be no other reason to experience them. Releasing these emotions will be much like peeling an onion. You will work through layers and layers of emotions on your way to healing.

When we have physical symptoms such as panic attacks, agoraphobia or pain, it is our brain's way of protecting us from feeling emotions. Try having a talk with your brain. Tell it that you appreciate its attempt to protect you, but that you would prefer to feel the emotions. Then, be open to actually feeling the emotions and dealing with them in a positive way. Do this at the first sign of pain or panic attack.

Reiki, Counseling, Spiritual Healing and many other alternative treatments can assist in overcoming panic attacks and agoraphobia. Antidepressants and tranquilizers can also help. Sometimes we need allopathic ‘crutches' as we heal. There is and should be no crime in that.

Most of all be kind to yourself. Love yourself in all of your aspects. Treat yourself with love and respect. Allow yourself the time to heal, just as you allowed yourself the time to become dis-eased. Treat yourself with kindness and gentleness. You can get control of your life back.

Claudia McNeely - http://www.askclaudia.com - is a gifted and caring Psychic/Healer. With the assistance of Angels, Guides and Master Healers, she will tell you exactly what she sees and feels instead of what you want to hear. Her Clairvoyant Psychic Readings are very accurate and insightful. She can help you to understand where you are, where you want to be and how to get there.