Anxiety is not a sign of weakness. It’s a common experience that many people have, but hide out of shame. Suffering in silence doesn’t help anyone, and often makes things worse. Let’s look at some practical strategies for coping with anxiety and preventing panic attacks.
Lean In
It may sound counterintuitive, but stop resisting your feelings. Anxiety is like a guard dog designed to protect you from harm. Just as guard dogs need reassurance from their owners that an unfamiliar person is not a threat, your rational brain needs to reassure your emotional brain that unusual sensations aren’t threats. Invite the anxiety in, instead of pushing it away or resisting. It’s a form of empowerment, not surrender.
