Today’s podcast is a direct result of two questions I received from Anxiety Guru readers. The questions were related to panic attacks and the acceptance of anxiety. I think both of these issues are important and understanding them can help you cope with your anxiety more effectively.
I began by discussing the fight or flight response because I’ve always thought that if you understood the fight or flight response, then you would understand all of your anxiety symptoms. This type of understanding leads to less fear and worry, because you’ll know what is happening when you’re in a panic, and you won’t be reduced to just your best guess about what anxiety might do to you.
The second issue I tackle is acceptance. It’s true that lots of people throw this word around a lot and generally don’t explain what it means. So, I tried to break down what the acceptance of anxiety is and the importance of trying to achieve it.
Ultimately, I think the most crucial part of today’s message was that it is important to know your opponent (anxiety) and yourself (acceptance) in your quest to break the chains of anxiety. You have to do more than just complain about your symptoms, you have to understand where they come from and learn different skills to cope with them. You also have to come to terms with anxiety and not engage in a never ending battle with it. Knowing these two things well will reduce anxiety.
The readers that prompted this podcast I think are on the right path. Because they did more than just complain, they sought answers. Answers that will, over time, teach them to live a full life despite the occasional hardships caused by anxiety.
Hopefully this short podcast can help you gain a bit more perspective into what it takes to lower the amount of stress and anxiety in your life.
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Good to see another podcast up. I love the podcasts you do Paul. Always insightful stuff.
Thanks Andy. I enjoy producing podcast. I think it’s the most interesting way to deliver information.
Great podcast. I was feeling consistently agitated and fed up with my anxiety and after hearing this it helped eased me.
Nice pod cast .. Good job ! I enjoyed and I shared with friends. Have a great day.
Hi Paul: Are you still putting your Podcasts on Itunes??
Hi Nancy. Sure am. If you can’t find my podcast on itunes please let me know and I’ll look into it. But as far as I know they should be there. Thanks for listening.
Hi Paul. I’ve been listening to your podcasts for about 3 months now and they got me through (literally) the roughest time in my life anxiety wise. I’m seeing a therapist now and really making progress, however, I see that you mention new podcasts. I have not seen any on itunes since May 09. Any help locating them so I can download and have on my ipod when needed (as who knows when they’re needed most) would be appreciated. I sincerely thank you for all you do and please know you have made a huge positive difference in my life. I look forward to becoming part of the community here.
Hi Gabe, Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it. Not sure what’s going on with itunes. Seems like my new podcast are not being sent to itunes like they should be. I will have to look into this. But until then, you can subscribe to the blog and if you see “podcast” in a article title, you can also download the podcast from the article to your computer. Stay tuned!
I hope ITunes gets this straightened out soon.
Hi Paul,
Looking forward to hearing this new podcast. Silly question – I have tried to download it, but I don’t know where it goes on my computer! I have used the search function, but can’t seem to find it. This is embarrasing since I am really computer literate! 🙂
Hi Sue, if you click on the download link at the end of the post that should do it. I’m still working on fixing the mp3 player though. That thing has been down for several days. I will get on it.
Hi Paul,
I tried it on my iPod touch last night and was able to listen to it. Thanks!
Just discovered your blog, your podcasts are great, it’s nice to know that one is not alone when experiencing anxiety
Thanks for sharing your ideas on this. I can share this to my friend who is extremely suffering from anxiety disorder.
Your Podcast is great I’ve found more useful information of this nature at https://www.panicsurvivor.com/ and also at Suite101: Confusing Fear with Anxiety Disorder https://personalitymooddisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/confusing-fear-with-anxiety-disorder#ixzz0pOTR4Jja
The heart palpations..skipping of beats, awareness for beating heart while resting, followed by the burning sensations really scare me. I do concur that edcucation has helped my anxiety but at the same time I will be doing really well and then bam out of NOWHERE my hearts skips a beat and I am crippled for the day, hour, minute, or however long the panic decides to last. I try to tell myself after I have calmed down that it was just anxiety and that I will not die, but when it happens that is where my mind automatically goes. I am finding it difficult to change my mind set. Although I do appreciate your podcasts, website…
Hi Sunny, I know exactly what you mean. And there is no doubt that anxiety and fear can be crippling and hard to overcome. Have you done or considered therapy? Sometimes we need a hand in reaching recovery. Hang in there and just believe yourself when you say “anxiety can’t kill me.”
Thanks for the response Paul. No unfortunately therpy is not in my budget at this time. The doctor put me on 50mg of Zoloft which I HATE as well as a Xanax which I don’t like taking either. I usually will suffer through the attack. For now your podcast helps me tremendously and I thank you very much.
After struggling with anxiety for quite some time my doctor says it’ll pass in time, but in the meantime I can’t work, can’t do things I enjoy, basically can’t do much really. Anyway, I just want to say thank you so much for all the podcasts! They are great and such a blessing that I stumbled across this just a few days ago. I feel like I am finally getting some help! The health system here is not that great.
You’re welcome Linda. I’m glad to hear that the podcasts have been helping. Stay tuned for upcoming shows, and thank you for listening.
Thnx to improve myself
I need help with anxiety but I can’t see your videos please help me get thru this anxiety I have a small baby at home need all the help I can get without medications