Panic attacks can seem like something completely unbearable. When they start, they can feel like the world has suddenly fallen apart. And as a natural reaction to this, many of us tend to distract ourselves from the attacks and avoid them at all costs. But what if this approach seems to be ineffective and even worsens the situation? Research and practice in the fields of psychology and psychiatry show that avoiding and trying to distract from panic attacks can have unexpected consequences. Let's look at why this may be the case and what strategies may be more helpful.Panic Attacks and AvoidancePanic attacks typically occur in response to high levels of anxiety and stress. When a person experiences an attack, the body activates a fight-or-flight response that includes physiological and emotional changes. This sudden increase in anxiety can be overwhelming and lead to fear of the attack itself. Avoiding panic attacks may involve changing behavior to prevent the attack from occurring or reduce its symptoms. For example, a person may avoid places where an attack has previously occurred or avoid activities that they believe may trigger an attack. He may also try to distract himself by doing something else to avoid paying attention to the physical and emotional symptoms. Why avoidance may be a problem Although avoiding attacks may seem like a reasonable way to prevent discomfort, it can have negative consequences in the long run. First, avoidance reduces a person's ability to adapt to stressful situations. He does not learn to cope with anxiety and respond appropriately to it. Additionally, avoidance can create a cycle of fear. When a person avoids an attack, his belief that the attack is extremely terrible and unbearable is strengthened. He begins to fear not only the attacks themselves, but also his reactions to them. This can lead to worsening of the condition and more frequent attacks. More Effective Strategies Instead of avoiding panic attacks, a more effective approach may be to accept them and consciously work to reduce anxiety. This may include: Education: Understanding that panic attacks are physiological reactions that can be manageable and temporary. Relaxation: Learning relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, to reduce anxiety during an attack. Psychotherapy: Seeking professional help. psychologist to work on the causes of anxiety and develop strategies to manage attacks. Physical activity: Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety levels. Support: Connect with loved ones and get support from a social network. Psychological counselingPopov Sergey - https://www.b17.ru/popov_sergeySign up for a consultation WhatsApp Telegram