THE PATH: ANXIETY & PANIC ATTACK ELIMINATION PROGRAM THE PATH: ANXIETY & PANIC ATTACK ELIMINATION PROGR | Page 39

Repeat this process until you feel that
your panic attack symptoms dissipated.
This exercise might sound deceptively
simple but it actually has a number of
positive effects that are extremely
effective at stopping panic attacks.
First off, counting and concentrating
on breathing distracts you. I learned the
power of a distraction very early on. As a
child I was terrified of needles. The idea
of a needle penetrating my skin put me in
a state of panic. Every time I had to have
a shot, right before the doctor
administered a shot, my dad would
surprise me with a toy or a candy. I never
felt those shots.
Second, diaphragmatic breathing
stimulates release of serotonin - the
happy chemical. This way diaphragmatic
breathing reduces stress, improves
digestion, sleep and mood.
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