Using Visualization to Get Rid of Panic Attacks

[Kim Connor]

When you feel a panic attack coming on, you can close your eyes and
start to visualize whatever helps you the most. For some people,
visualizing a humorous experience is the best medicine. Visualize
having uncontrolled laughter that takes over your whole body and makes
it shake with pleasure. This is a good method because laughter is
healing and will counteract the feelings of panic or fear you've been
getting from the panic attacks.
You can also visualize yourself in a peaceful and calm place. You can
literally feel like you are removed from the fearful situation and are
somewhere peaceful -- like the beach or staring at a snow capped
mountain. Imagine the setting in as vivid detail as possible.
It might be difficult for first time people to visualize effectively.
For that reason, you might consider getting some CDs or a video to
help you with this process. There are several out there on the market
that will be immensely helpful for you. Some therapists even
specialize in visualization, so you can make an appointment with them
and they can teach you some techniques.
No matter what you do, definitely give visualization a try. If you
think about it, when you're in the midst of a panic attack you start
to have irrational fears. Pictures often flash through your mind. This
causes even more symptoms -- your heart might palpitate, and you may
even feel like you are dying. It's all because of what is in your mind
and what you are picturing.
By replacing these scary images with something peaceful, funny,
pleasant -- whatever -- you can more easily get over your panic
attacks and start to realize that your fears are irrational. You'll
feel like all is right in the world after all.
As was already mentioned, you might even feel a little bit silly doing
this at first, and it can be difficult for you. Practice truly does
make perfect! The first few times you do this, you might find the
method is unsuccessful. However, if you stick with it and allow your
conscious and subconscious mind to think of peaceful things, you can
beat your panic attacks.