If you have ever had a panic attack you already know that you don’t want another one. The room spins, your heart races, you can’t seem to get enough air, you’re sweating like mad and you feel out of control. We have many terms for this dreadful emotion; fear, anxiety, worry, panic and discomfort are just a few. However, when fear reaches it’s apex it turns into an all consuming monster. It often is a physical event with nausea, dizziness, profuse sweating and heart skipping. This is why so many people initially think they are having a heart attack. It’s hard to believe that an emotion (fear) could be so powerful.
Once panic has started it is very hard to think. The body has already initiated the fight, flight and freeze center, the autonomic nervous system. Like a tsunami, thoughts overwhelm the mind with catastrophic outcomes. You find yourself on a terrifying rollercoaster than you never wanted to get on. The simultaneous combination of physical and mental crisis modes make it impossible to “just think of something else and snap out of it.” You brain is now literally in survival mode. So what now?
Surf the tsunami. Ride the wave of fear knowing that it MUST pass. The body can’t sustain this level of panic for long. The ride will end. Remind yourself that no one has ever died from a panic attack. Let the fear flow through you and remember the fear doesn’t define you! Block those nasty lies as much as you can. Remember, God doesn’t tell us we will never experience fear. In fact, He addresses the problem of fear all throughout the bible. Panic attacks are often associated with some core lies:
- I’m going to die
- I’m losing control
- I’m going insane
- I’m alone
- I’m a failure
Try and push the lies away. If possible, force yourself to exhale, hold your breath, inhale and hold again. Many people find it helpful to get a bowl of icy cold water and submerge their face in the water for thirty seconds. This is a handy little tool because it jolts the brain and forces it to switch gears and relax.
Fear threatens our peace and robs our joy. When we face fear head on it’s like a test. We get better at this test with practice. When we are at our weakest, God’s strength shines through us. Pastor Porter has some great words of wisdom, “Where is the power of a TESTimony when there’s never been a test?” Not only will you pass this test friend, you will be stronger for the next time it comes your way. Then you can share your victory with others that struggle with fear. Here is God’s truth about fear:
- “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
- “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” (Psalms 56:3)
- “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
- “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
- “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4)
- “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)
