5 Simple Steps to Control Panic Attacks When Surviving a Toxic Relationship with a Narcissist - The AWARE Method for Overcoming Panic Attacks (Actionable Self-Help Tips) - Have you ever had a panic attack that felt like it was a direct result of dealing with a narcissist? If you have, you are not alone. In fact, most survivors of toxic relationships with narcissists report that, due either to C-PTSD or simply dealing wth a narcissist regularly. And often, panic attacks and anxiety continue well into recovery. And, it's tougher when it evolves into a full anxiety attack or a panic attack. This is something that most of us will experience at some time in our lives, and that can ultimately become crippling as you worry that heading out into public spaces could result in fainting or that falling asleep could trigger an episode.
Fortunately, several proven methods help you get through panic attacks. With the right approach, these methods can be highly effective at controlling the problem and preventing them altogether. One such option is to use the ‘AWARE’ strategy.
What is AWARE?
AWARE is an acronym that stands for:
Acknowledge and Accept
Wait and watch
Actions to make yourself comfortable
Repeat
End
The key to this is essentially to accept that the attack is happening and not try to fight it. Instead, you simply acknowledge it and then ‘watch’ it as you do your business as usual. The very best way to fight a panic attack? To continue acting as though it’s not happening.
When you first notice a panic attack begin, you will find that the symptoms can be somewhat similar to what you imagine a heart attack to be like. This is distressing and creates much more anxiety. Other people are afraid of anxiety attacks themselves because they dislike the experience.
That's why it’s common to start worrying about the panic attack and whatever triggered it. This subsequent panic can lead to escalation and ultimately result in the individual passing out of collapsing.
And this, in turn, is why it’s so important not to try and ‘combat’ the effects of a panic attack through sheer will. Instead, you can find that it goes away much more quickly by ignoring the panic attack, recognizing it for what it is, and being comfortable and allowing it to run its course. What’s more, is that once you lose the fear of the symptoms, it will eventually stop happening altogether.
Of course, it is still important to try and remove yourself from any potential danger – which may mean pulling over if you are driving or removing yourself from a public space. Be sure to see your doctor before using any self-help tips you find on this channel or anywhere on the internet.
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Angie Atkinson discusses what to do when the narcissist attacks you and uses gaslighting against you to cause inevitable panic attacks.
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