Oddly enough this was a trick I had learned while in college, not directly mind you, but while study Anatomy and Physiology and learning about the Central Nervous System I came to understand how panic attacks happen. I used to have the often – like to the point I would skip lectures for fear that I would have them in class. As luck would have it, I made it to the lecture that covered this topic. It took about a year I think, but every time one started I would repeat the lecture notes in my head, tell myself I wasn’t dying, and this was normal. Eventually, they stopped happening. (Too bad it doesn’t work for migraines!) I still have anxiety, but not anywhere near as bad as I did back then thanks to this and getting treatment for my migraines, Bipolar, and PTSD.

I do like how this article refers to it as “inviting anxiety to tea as though it was a person” and really we could apply this to any symptom or emotion we have. Just accept that it’s present and real first. Then decide how to manage with that presence. Like having a house guest – even if it’s a really smelly house guest and there is a terrible storm outside so you can’t kick them out…

Our mind’s response to anxiety affects our self-esteem, sense of control, and how we see the world around us. When we experience anxiety symptoms, our feelings and thoughts get so wound up in the body’s stress response that we may want to run. We want to shed this thing that won’t leave us alone. In…

via The Common Response to Anxiety that Only Makes It Worse — HealthyPlace