| You can treat anxiety attacks (panic attacks) by a | | | | During this, visualize yourself entering the supermarket, |
| therapeutic technique called 'visualization.' By visualizing | | | | getting a cart / trolley, walking freely and relaxed about |
| yourself 'positively' in those situations that you are | | | | the aisles, placing items in your cart and paying for |
| frightened to be in, you can persuade your body to | | | | them at the checkout. Then returning to your car, |
| react more positively and calmly in those situations, | | | | returning the cart, then driving off. |
| such as anxiety attacks. | | | | Repeat this exercise several times over a few days. |
| How does it work? In non-scientific language, your | | | | Then try it for real. If it doesn't work the first time, don't |
| body can't tell the difference between reality and the | | | | give up, repeat the exercise. It does take some |
| thoughts in your head. So, you want to make your | | | | practice. Obviously, you have to visualize your own |
| body 'believe' that what you are 'visualizing' is real. | | | | particular situation. |
| When you are imagining happy, calm thoughts your | | | | A Variation on the Technique to Treat Anxiety |
| body will react accordingly. The following explains how | | | | Attacks |
| to treat anxiety attacks using two visualization | | | | I have successfully used a variation on this technique. |
| techniques... | | | | Instead of visualizing the process above, think of a |
| The Environment | | | | very happy, calm, contented moment in your life, e.g. |
| You need to be alone, in a quiet environment with no | | | | on the beach with your family. Visualize just how |
| distractions: your bedroom would be ideal. Switch off | | | | fantastic a time it was. Put a smile on your face. Then, |
| the lights. Ensure your cell / mobile phone is off and | | | | press your thumb and middle finger together for the |
| you can't be disturbed. Lie flat or sit back comfortably. | | | | duration of your happy thoughts. |
| Close your eyes, start to breath slowly and regularly, | | | | Repeat this several times each session, over several |
| relax...relax...relax, clear your mind of everything but | | | | days. Then when you approach your problem ( |
| your goal. | | | | e.g. the supermarket or an actual anxiety attack) |
| Visualization Technique to Treat Anxiety Attacks | | | | press your thumb and middle finger together. That |
| Think of the place or situation that you are anxious or | | | | physical act brings your happy mood into your |
| fearful about. For the purposes of this explanation I | | | | thoughts, your body perceives this as reality and |
| will use the supermarket as an example. You have | | | | responds accordingly. |
| to use your own situation. | | | | However, visualization can only help in 'managing' the |
| Picture yourself confidently approaching the | | | | symptoms of anxiety attacks and is only one of |
| supermarket (you use your own situation here) and | | | | several non-drug therapies to treat anxiety attacks. |
| repeat in your head only positive thoughts. Don't think | | | | One of the keys is to get rid of the 'fear' of having |
| about anxiety attacks. For example, "I'm going into the | | | | another attack, because this fear can actually trigger |
| store to buy my groceries, nothing else, I will just | | | | one. If you can finally get rid of this fear you stand a |
| purchase my items and check then out. There's | | | | much better chance of eliminating anxiety attacks |
| nothing to be frightened of, nothing can possibly harm | | | | completely and getting rid of your general anxiety. |
| me". | | | | |