Several weeks ago I attended a wedding in NY. It was a delightful family affair, with the added bonus of getting to spend three days with my two sons and their wonderful partners. All went well, from the weather to the ceremony, and on the day of my departure I stepped out of a cab and into the JFK airport with a full and contented heart.

Minutes later, while waiting at the gate, I found myself in the throes of panic. I had never had a panic attack before and was stunned and confused at the timing. Where was this coming from? Why now? What did I miss? I was even more surprised, in hindsight, that despite my 25 years experience as a stress disorders consultant, I was unable to call on my own skills training and evoke the quieting reflex. I felt flooded and overwhelmed and, quite honestly, as if I was 'going crazy.' This last conclusion Patricia A. Farrell, PhD quite correctly identifies in her article, Under Pressure: What is a Panic Attack, as "the worst" symptom of all.

With the luxury of time and reflection, I have some notions on what might have triggered my state of escalated panic that day. But whatever the source, I have three solid bits of wisdom I am carrying away from the experience that I'd like to share with you here:
1) An increased empathy for my patients who suffer chronic issues with anxiety and/or panic attacks. As my header acknowledges, this disorder is not for wimps! Please be patient with yourself or anyone else in your world who has to contend with this affliction.
2) The quieting reflex is something that needs to be practiced regularly. Only then will we have stored a calming strategy to which our mind and body can default when a moment of escalated panic occurs.
3) We do not always have to go it alone. That fateful day I called my older son and he kindly and compassionately stayed on the line with me until the event had passed. It's okay to occasionally turn to a loved one for help.

If you have an ongoing problem with anxiety and/or panic and these symptoms continue to significantly interfere with you ability to function despite your use of relaxation and self-quieting strategies, there are medications that may be of benefit to you. As with any illness, sometimes pharmacological intervention is an appropriate option.

Here's wishing you all an anxiety free day.

Linda J. Rohan, ARNP