Wendy Gould offers 7 steps for getting through a panic attack

I had the wonderful honor of being interviewed by the incredibly talented Wendy Gould for an article she wrote about panic disorder for NBC. As I’ve shared in the past, I’ve struggled with anxiety and panic disorder since my early 20s. In fact, it’s the reason I first started down the path of yoga.

When I first discovered I had panic disorder, it was something that wasn’t talked about openly. I felt very ashamed and tried to keep it a secret, which only intensified the symptoms. Looking back, I’m so grateful for how far our society has come in its acceptance and understanding of people suffering from anxiety. I am also thrilled that talented, thoughtful writers like Wendy are able to gather important and illuminating information to help people cope with their feelings about and physical responses to stress.

In her article 7 steps for getting through a panic attack, Wendy offers some great ways to minimize and manage panic attacks. From approaches including breath work to participating in yoga, she taps renowned physicians like Dr. Andrew Weil and psychotherapists for useful and practical advice that allows individuals to take control of their own health. And it’s refreshing to find that none of it includes medication!

Wendy also interviewed people living with the disorder (like me) and gave them the opportunity to share what works best from their real-world point of view. What did I have to say? Find a point person for support and be kind to yourself because, “In ways, anxiety offers its own gifts. It makes you vigilant about self-care and demands that you pay attention to signs and symptoms. I’m more in tune with myself both emotionally and physically because of my anxiety and that has made me more conscious about how I treat others.”

With the holiday season upon us, we could all use some good advice on how to manage stress. Check out the article for great tips and to find out what works for me.

7 steps for getting through a panic attack

by Wendy Gould (published on NBC)
“It feels like I’m dying.” Those are the words people use to describe what a panic attack feels like. The process of addressing and managing them is a journey — there’s no immediate cure or course of action that will stop a panic attack in its tracks. [Read More…]