Psychology Has It Backwards Episode 186: Panic: Is It Helpful?
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Mar 8, 2025 Panic is a common experience, often misunderstood as triggered by external events. Instead, it's a response to an overwhelming flood of negative thoughts. The discussion shares personal anecdotes, like a couple visiting the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon, highlighting how past experiences shape our fears. Test anxiety is also explored, showing the link between stress and physical reactions. Ultimately, panic can signal a need for change and insight, encouraging listeners to manage their mental state and embrace calm.
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Managing Panic
- Address panic by focusing on the present moment to clear the mind.
- If the underlying anxious thinking persists, panic attacks may recur.
Window Washer's Panic
- Judy Sedgman's client had panic attacks while cleaning windows in a tall building.
- Changing jobs or tasks helped alleviate her fear of heights.
Panic and Reality
- Panic attacks demonstrate how thoughts create reality, manifesting as intense physical symptoms.
- These feelings, though unpleasant, serve as a natural mechanism for survival.