In this episode, Gregory explores the challenging world of panic attacks and shares effective grounding techniques specifically designed for people with CPTSD. Drawing from personal experience and listener stories, he breaks down the science behind why panic attacks happen and offers practical, trauma-informed strategies to help you reconnect with your body and the present moment when your nervous system goes into overdrive. This episode combines neurobiological research with real-world applications to create a comprehensive toolkit for managing panic in ways that acknowledge your unique trauma history.

Key Takeaways
• Panic attacks are your body's false alarm system, not dangerous though they feel life-threatening • Grounding techniques interrupt the panic cycle by engaging your senses and prefrontal cortex • The 5-4-3-2-1 technique uses all five senses to anchor you to the present moment • Temperature changes like cold water can trigger the mammalian dive reflex to calm your system • Consistent practice of grounding techniques strengthens neural pathways for better future regulation

What You'll Discover
• Why traditional advice like "just breathe" often fails during panic attacks • How bilateral stimulation helps integrate emotional and logical brain processing • Personalized approaches for adapting grounding techniques to your specific trauma history • The importance of practicing grounding skills regularly, not just during crisis moments • Real stories from listeners who found unique and effective ways to manage panic

Resources Mentioned
• Journal of Anxiety Disorders (2019) - Study on grounding techniques engaging the prefrontal cortex • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk - Research on trauma and sensory awareness • Frontiers in Psychology (2021) - Review on bilateral sensory stimulation for trauma processing • PLOS ONE (2018) - Study on cold water exposure activating the mammalian diving reflex • Clinical Psychology Review (2020) - Meta-analysis on repetitive bilateral movements for neural integration

Next Episode Preview
In our next conversation, we'll explore emotional flashbacks—those intense, disorienting experiences unique to CPTSD—and discover practical strategies for recognizing and managing them in daily life.

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