Flight or Flow

"We experience moments absolutely free from worry. These brief respites are called panic." - Cullen Hightower

Recently I was using a bank ATM machine to withdraw cash. My wife and I have eight grown children but anyone with children understands the family cash system. So this particular morning I was now in need of cash having just given up the contents of my billfold.

It was very early in the morning and on my way to work when ATM machine reported it was unable to process my request. So to another bank ATM I went and the same thing. Concern started to creep in so to a third bank I went. That ATM indicated I had already made the maximum withdrawals for the day.

I had what?

It was 6:00am and no money had been exchanged yet between the ATM and myself. The concern was now turning into panic. Had my bank account been hacked into? Was there any money left at all? I know these feelings all too well as I had been the victim of identity theft some years ago.

In that previous incident, my bank accounts were emptied a couple of days before Christmas. A sinking feeling then and the same thing felt like it was happening all over again. I rushed to get online with my bank to check on the accounts. I would not say that complete dread had set in, but I was deliberate with purpose to find out what happened.

All of us experience moments completely free from worry.

During those moments when panic is trying to take over our life, most likely your heart is pounding and you feel sweaty, weak, faint, or dizzy. Your hands may tingle or feel numb and you might feel flushed or chilled. You might have nausea, chest pain or smothering sensations, sense of unreality, fear of impending doom or loss of control.

No doubt you are sensing a panic attack.

When you feel panic coming on; remind yourself repeatedly until you can really accept your panic attack is a natural emergency response and you will not turn in to a shaky, flaky weakling who is about to pass out any minute. Your whole system is in high gear. You are actually stronger, faster, and quicker.

Believe it.

Constantly repeat to yourself that panic symptoms no doubt are unpleasant, but they are not dangerous. Also know that just as you have a natural "emergency response", so you have a natural "calming response." You can learn to calm yourself out of a panic attack.

Do not "fight" with the symptoms of a panic attack. Try to "flow" with the symptoms and allow yourself to become calm. Learn a relaxation technique and practice it daily at least two or three times for 15 to 20 minutes each time. This will prepare you for any future feelings of panic.

If you feel the panic is uncontrollable, consult your doctor.

As for me, I had to calmly wait for my bank to open up. I worked out the issue that was a bank computer glitch. All was well and my panic had turned into relief. My level of panic was frustrating but other forms of panic can have a debilitating effect on you.

Work to control anxiety and panic in your life. Doing so will improve the life you live.

And stay inspired my friends.