Anxiety Disorder and Racing Thoughts

Dealing with Anxiety and Panic disorders involves many emotional and physical symptoms. When a person experiences there first anxiety attack, the unexpected physical reactions are not only a surprise but confusing. Not understanding why these feelings are happening can lead one to a constant fear of the unknown. What caused my attack? When will it happen again? And why? These feelings often lead to a cycle of emotional uncertainty. Not only is one fearing this anxiety, but they are often creating more anxiety in this state of mind.

Anxiety Disorder and Racing Thoughts are a very common combination. While your body reacts to what it believes is severe stress or danger, the mind tries to make sense of it. A person may be aware of the fact that there is no true danger, but are unable to shake the physical symptoms of panic. Learning to control these racing thoughts will help one relieve there physical symptoms over time. Taking control of this emotional cycle gives one power and confidence that the physical reactions are misplaced.

Below is a list of some very common thoughts one might experience. These thoughts are shared by many dealing with anxiety or panic disorders. Learning to discredit these thoughts is essential to control. Anyone dealing with anxiety or panic would, most likely, be able to add to this list.

-  I am alone in dealing with anxiety attacks
-  My anxiety attacks will never stop
-  Is there something wrong with me other than anxiety?
-  Am I going to die?
-  No one understands my fear
-  I am burdening my family
-  Am I going crazy?
-  I will never be free of anxiety
-  Is the 'old me' gone forever?
-  I can not even handle simple tasks. Visiting a friend. Going to the store.
   Driving. Leaving the house.
-  I will never feel normal again

Thinking these Negative thoughts, unfortunately, only aggravates the situation. Anxiety and Panic disorders most often lead to a very strong sense of insecurity. Worry becomes a ongoing emotion. Self esteem can completely disappear.

Consider trying this one simple technique often taught to help brake this cycle of thoughts. It is a method of visualizing or repeating an image, or phrase, in your mind that will interrupt these thoughts. You should pick any phrase, thought or image that you relate to strongly. Your safe zone to return to during these attacks. Anything will work. As long as it works for you.

Let's say you choose this directly related phrase: These feelings are not necessary. It's simple, but that does not matter. You could choose to visualize a stop sign or even sing a song in your head. Your whole purpose here is to interrupt these thoughts even momentarily. Being able to accomplish this even for a few seconds will lead to being able to concentrate on anything but these racing thoughts. Making it easier in the future to not validate them at all. At first it will be difficult to accomplish, but gaining control of your own thoughts is key.