Explosions into Fear
DEALING WITH EXPLOSIONS INTO FEAR
Explosions into fear are caused by gratuitous activation of the physiological systems that protect against danger. Although such attacks can cause bodily pain, faintness, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and a host of other symptoms that feel like serious disease, they are not in themselves dangerous. The key to effective response is knowing that the fear is real, but the danger is not. The goal is not to stop attacks, but to help people endure them. Only then can fear go away and stay away.
The I’m dying or at least going crazy Explosion
Remind people that their experience is the result of a faulty alarm system, not physical demise. Tell them they’re having a panic attack, not dying.Don’t attempt to run away; there is no away.
Burn off the excess adrenaline with exercise.
Use the Basic Calming technique.
The Make it go away Explosion
More than anything else, people with fear disorders want their attacks to just go away. They long for the lost paradise of simply feeling good. The problem is anything that makes the symptoms go away makes the disorder worse.
Avoid avoidance! Staying away from frightening situations makes fear worse.
Medications that induce quick relaxation such as alcohol and benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin etc.) can create more problems than they solve. Slower acting serotonergics (Prozac, Paxil, Celexa etc.) that increase emotional control, are more effective
Encourage people to observe their fear rather than respond to it.
Give them something to do.
The You think it’s all in my head Explosion
Fear disorders sometimes get people out of doing things they don’t want to do. This is a side effect, not the main purpose. If you do not acknowledge that fear is real and extremely painful, explosive people will have to get worse to prove it.
Refrain from pointing out
Refrain from pointing out the obvious benefits of being sick.
Do not accommodate fear; Help people face it, one small step at a time.
Reward even the smallest acts of courage.
Hang in there! Sometimes the greatest kindnesses are perceived as cruelty. Always remember that the only way out of fear is through it.
