Panic

 

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

 

Have you ever had a panic attack?  It is a sudden overwhelming feeling of fear.  It can be very frightening and scary!  Something may startle you or send a signal of alarm through your whole body – it can even cause a stampede of emotions!

So how do we deal with them?  Can we prevent them?  It is not an easy subject, but they can be tamed.  Learning to cope with these types of panic attacks, is handled slowly - not overnight.  And, with the help from a counselor they can be overcome.  Practicing healthy reactions and possibly sharing these feelings in a journal can begin a journey of recovery from panic attacks.  Or, sharing these panic experiences with a trusted friend may help you get to a point of dealing with them and having them subside over time.

Remember, panic is an alarm system within you that tells you that something is not quite right.  Your instincts may be spot on!  Or, they might be future fears looming too largely in our view.  Check your reality.  Is the fear real?  If so, do what you need to do to be safe.  Or, is the fear more of a speculation of what might occur?  If it is speculation, allow yourself to come back to the present moment and realize you are safe.  Tell yourself that you are okay and that there is nothing to fear.

The next time a panic attack pops up out of the blue, take a few deep, deep breaths.  Slow your pace.  If you’re dizzy, sit down.  If tunnel vision occurs, sit quietly until it goes away.  If you experience chest pain, then definitely call a doctor ASAP. If you get nauseated, try a cracker.  Hot/Cold flashes can occur as well.  Allow them to pass.  Sweating can be a real issue at times, but again, this too shall pass.  If you get tingling, burning or a prickling in your toes or fingers, let it subside.  If these simple remedies do not work, please seek a professional! 

Many times, a panic attack will make a person want to flee the unwelcome feelings of panic.  Sometimes, a person wants to fight back and face the feeling head on.  “Fight or flight” reactions are normal in this situation.  If your perception is altered by what is or is not real, then call your counselor and talk it over.  Again, as soon as you are able to talk to a counselor and work through the issues at hand, the better it will be for you.

I am not a counselor, nor profess to be one who can cure panic attacks.  These are just a few ideas that may help you learn to cope over time.  What I do know is that we have a healer that is available 24/7.  That healer is God.  He is right by your side every minute of every day.  He is closer than your breath.  One of my favorite ways to overcome feelings like these panic thoughts and feelings is to trust in God’s CALM presence which surrounds me.

 

CALM = Comforting, Almighty, Loving, Majestic.  This is an acronym I created at a time in my life, when panic attacks and fear had a strong hold on my heart.  I learned over time that God’s calm presence can overcome any fear, any attack, and any frightening  or overwhelming feeling.  And, I also had an incredible counselor who is still a friend of mine today.  Thank you, Beth!!!

Don’t delay!  Allow yourself the time and space needed to overcome these feelings of panic.  Call a counselor and let them help you work through all those fears.  And, allow yourself to be comforted by a Majestic God whose loving arms wants to enfold you.

 

Song: Peace by Bethel Music and We the Kingdom