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
