Anxiety attacks occur without always displaying a trigger; moreover, triggerless attacks often instill the most fear in people. Earlier this week, I experienced a triggerless anxiety attack, which might have been one of the worst days I’ve had in a very long time. Fortunately, my wife assisted me with the relaxation techniques I teach everyone. This anxiety attack came unexpectedly, with no trigger or warning, leaving me feeling hopeless because I believed I had achieved balance with my anxiety attacks. However, that is not entirely the case.
Anxiety Attacks Do NOT Have to Cripple
I experienced this anxiety attack while taking a shower. I was going about my morning routine as usual, and it seemed like any other day. However, it caught me off guard. As a therapeutic measure and a personal reminder, I wrote a blog post about it and shared it with the world. This experience made me realize that it’s normal to struggle sometimes as long as you strive to improve.
This post highlighted the fact that many people face similar challenges, not just military members. However, it’s often more prevalent among military veterans who may not openly discuss their struggles.
Anxiety attacks shouldn’t be taken lightly, and there are techniques to help regain composure. However, it’s often difficult to manage alone. Fortunately, on Monday, my wife helped me remember to breathe and ensured I was okay before continuing with the day.
Ignoring what happened during an anxiety attack does oneself a disservice. It’s both a physical and mental ordeal. These attacks can feel like a heart attack or as exhausting as running a marathon. It’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone when experiencing them. It’s okay not to be okay.
Breathe It Through Attack the Anxiety Attacks
Anxiety attacks, while often crippling (at the time), do not have to be a day killer. These attacks can often be pushed to the side by simply getting fresh oxygen in your brain and bloodstream. Breathing through an anxiety attack is the hardest thing to learn how to do. At the same time, it is the easiest thing and the toughest thing to do. Here are a few ways to get through an anxiety attack:
- Breathe. It seems simple, and it is, but frequently, it is overlooked because it takes a lot to make sure that you are breathing in the right way. Breathe in deep. Breathe past the lungs and into the diaphragm (the spot right above your navel). Breathe deep and exhale even deeper. This will get the bad oxygen out of your head and into your brain, which helps make it possible to have rational thoughts.
- Write it down. Writing what you are going through may allow you to identify the triggers later as you read over what you have written. Writing also helps you hyperfocus on something outside of the panic that you are feeling. If you feel like you want to share your thoughts, that is okay; realize that some people don’t understand and may want to tear you down for sharing a “weakness.” Remember that “pain is weakness leaving the body,” and anxiety is pain.
- Pray. I am a Christian, and I find prayer cathartic; furthermore, studies show that those who have a good prayer life can curb and feel “healed.” But whatever/whomever your deity is, there is something with prayer that helps.
- Medication. I discourage meds in most cases because anxiety medication is often highly addicting, and if you have an addictive personality, it could get you addicted. However, if a physician prescribes it correctly, it will help you in a panic attack. For me, it brings my mood back to stable (and I only take them as an absolute last resort)
Kick Ass Before it Kicks Yours
Learning how to beat them is only half the battle, but it can help to help others kick anxiety. Being available to help someone is always recommended.
Finally, empowering others to confront their anxiety is an essential part of overcoming it yourself. By offering support and understanding, we can create a community where no one feels alone in their struggles.
Remember, anxiety attacks don’t have to control your life. By implementing these strategies and supporting each other, we can all work towards kicking anxiety to the curb.
Until Next Time
I look forward to writing these blogs, if you have any ideas on what you would like to learn about more please contact me here or send me an email: kenny@freedomsystem.org.
PEACE
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