Keeping A Panic Attack Journal Can Help You Understand Your Fears

According to experts, the underlying reasons for panic attacks may vary from one person to another. What causes panic attack in another may not even have the slightest effect on another person. Since this form of disorder is often related to the past traumatic experiences of the sufferer and his or her genetic makeup, many experts suggest that all those who are suffering from this disorder should keep a panic attack journal where they can write down their experiences.

What's The Point?

The panic attack journal of the sufferer can yield a lot valuable information that can help medical professionals treat the sufferer. By going through the writings of the sufferer, the therapist will be able to pinpoint the areas that are causing stress on the sufferer. Aside from being a helpful tool in analyzing the reactions of the sufferer before, during and after the anxiety attack, keeping a panic attack journal can help calm the sufferer during an attack.

Studies show that putting thoughts and feelings into writing can help people calm down especially during a panic attack. The idea here is to channel the energies of the sufferer towards another activity to help him or her cope with their onslaught of intense fear. By focusing the attention of the sufferer into writing down how he or she feels, the sufferer will be able to manage his or her reactions to the fear or anxiety.

Starting

Starting a panic attack journal is really simple. Most therapists would simply request their patients to get a small notebook and carry it with them wherever they go. The patients will then write what they feel on the panic attack journal, especially during or after a panic attack. Most therapists require their patients to write the exact location, time and circumstances that lead to the attack in the panic attack journal.

As part of therapy, a lot of therapists also suggest that sufferers should write their thoughts and feelings in the journal anytime they want to. According to experts, the random thoughts of the sufferers often yield important information about the state of mind of the sufferer.

Since the panic attack journal is an important tool to help the sufferer come to terms with his or her fears, therapists often ask their patients to bring their panic attack journals with them during therapy sessions. The journal is often used as a reference material during these sessions to help the therapist understand the problems of the patient better.