Samantha- Bilingual Health Educator

Members,

The basic idea of the Panic Cycle is that each component of anxiety and fear affects the other two. For example, our physical sensations affect our thoughts and our thoughts affect our behavior. All combinations are possible.

Sometimes the Panic Cycle is triggered by an outside event, sometimes not. Panic can also be set off by symptoms. Furthermore, being on the lookout for panic symptoms means we are more likely to notice even the slightest change in our bodies. The problem is that if you look for small changes such as an increase in heart rate, rapid breathing or skin temperature you’ll find them. It’s normal for our hearts to speed up when we walk or it’s hot outside. However, if you start looking to interpret every small change as the start of a panic attack, you’ll get the Panic Cycle going.

Do your symptoms bring about more anxiety?

Samantha, Bilingual Health Educator

Members,

Do you struggle with anxiety? Today we will be looking at sample exposure plans to help you overcome your fears.

If you fear driving over a bridge… 

• Walk back & forth over a short bridge for 1 hour
• Walk back & forth over a long bridge for 1 hour
• Drive somewhere where you can park and watch cars go over the bridge for 1 hour
• At a quiet time of day, go to the short bridge and drive back & forth on it for 1 hour.
• Repeat the step above on a longer bridge
• Repeat the step above on an even longer bridge
• Repeat the fourth step at busier time of day
• Repeat the fifth step at a busier time of day
• Repeat the sixth step at a busier time of day
• Drive over a specific bridge

Is driving over a bridge a fear of yours?

Members,

From an evolutionary perspective, worrying makes sense. Being able to worry, at least a little, allows us to anticipate and plan for the future and cope with stress. On the other hand, too much worry isn’t healthy either. If you spend a lot of your day worrying, it probably doesn’t do you a lot of good. Worrying about problems a little can lead to problem solving and coping, worrying more than a little doesn’t usually lead to much good. So why do some people worry more than others?

There are a number of factors that contribute to excessive worry including genes and the environment. Worry also tends to happen when things are uncertain.

Members,

Take the week-end to come up with questions or topics you would like us to discuss.  Although we have a search feature with lots of support and knowledge provided, perhaps there is something you wanted some more information about?

We are here to help and guide you, so let us know how we can assist you.  We can post the questions and topics, so that everyone has a chance to support and share.

If you wish to contact us directly, please do so via feedback.

Samantha, Bilingual Health Educator