When I was prone to panic attacks, my therapist walked me through a scenario when I said I was scared to go to the bank. (This was in the days long before internet banking so a visit was a necessary evil).

She said, “Okay, you’re in the queue — then what happens?”

“I start to feel light-headed and all sound is muffled. I’m scared I’m going to pass out.”

“And what will happen if you do?”

“Well, probably people will help me, give me some water and take me to lie down and rest somewhere.”

“So you didn’t die?”

“Of course not!”

“Then it’s not life-threatening, is it?”

“Not if you put it like that.”

A few weeks later I was at the hairdresser and thos very symptoms appeared. I told my hairdresser I’m feeling faint and need to lie down. Off the chair and she got me lying on the floor and everyone wanted to chip in and help. It felt wonderful to be the centre of such care and comfort.

Somehow, my brain had remembered the scenario and had learned I was not going to die.

PS I started a journal over 20 years ago and found that pouring my thoughts and feelings onto paper, however dark and destructive they were, stopped them constantly looping around in my head and body.

On breathing, I used to hold my breath when I felt a panic attack coming on — not a good idea!

Thank you for your informative story!

Caroline de Braganza

Written by

A Wise Old Woman (WOW). Mastering spirit, mind and emotion — the Stew of Life. Young at heart, though a little creaky in other places. Let’s walk together.