Worry and fear about the outcome of this possible happening
In the presence of this fear we will worry about the possibilities of what can go wrong, and what we or others may suffer. This fear takes us away from our comfort zone, surely away from peace and well being. Depending on how long you experience fear, you might be thrown into anxiety or panic attacks.
You see, all our hormones lose balance in the presence of high anxiety or fear. Our brains and therefore bodies get ready to fight the enemy we fear or to run away from it. “This is too much for me to handle. I must fight, but most probably I need to run, because this fear makes my enemy look way bigger and stronger than me…”
Fear makes what you fear stronger than you, for the most part, larger than what you can handle. Most probably this is not true, but it feels that way. I know it all too well. I had panic attacks for 3 years. My gratefulness to the God who provides my every breath is greater and deeper than I can possibly express with words.
So yes! I do know how you feel and how debilitating this is.
In real, dangerous situations, you need the “fight or flight” response, but otherwise you don’t.
I had to change my thinking in order to be healed. I invite you to do the same.
You can achieve what I have achieved. It is all inside you. Most of the things we fear aren’t that much of a threat to us. In this blog, I might not be able to expand on everything you can do about most circumstances you face, but I will give you the basics so that you can work on yourself.
If you are under the care of a physician or therapist, please continue to attend.
Here are some tools:
The moment you experience a body sensation or have a fearful though, stop yourself in your tracks. Yes, stop that thought that tells you “Oh my God! Here we go again! I am going to die!” or “I will go crazy!” or any other negative thought. In spite of what you feel, tell yourself this mantra: “I am ok and everything is ok”. Repeat it in your head or out loud if you have to. If this phrase does not work for you, make one up that works for you.
As you repeat this phrase, try to listen to your breath and try your best in lowering any hard chest breathing. Try to see that your belly rises up with every inhale. As you put these simple tools into practice, you will realize that it gets easier and easier to do. After a while, your brain will do this automatically in the presence of fear or high anxiety.
Another very helpful tool is to tell yourself loving, forgiving, strengthening, healing, positive things to yourself while you are feeling well.
I will share some examples:
- I am ok! Everything is ok!
- I can do this!
- I can do anything that I need to do!
- I deserve positive, good things happening in my life.
- I have made mistakes. Everyone does! I forgive myself.
- I am on my way to healing and a happier me.
- I wish you the very best in your road to recovery.
- I am loved, cared for and protected.
- Fears are most likely “Fake evidences appearing real”
- I am stronger and bigger than any fear.
- I have great value.
- The God who gives me every breath I take is in control and I am ok.
With much love,
Alicia Yombalakian