Yes, it can be near impossible to control your thoughts when you are having a panic attack. This is because when we have a panic attack our brain switches to fight or flight mode and this means our thinking gets stuck in the mammalian brain AKA the limbic brain - this controls basic body functions and instincts. When this happens we have difficulty using our prefrontal cortex which is responsible for logic and rational thinking. We literally have trouble or cannot think rationally when we are in fight or flight mode. For this reason, it is important to use techniques like box breathing or PMR to first calm our body and mind enough to start controlling our thoughts. This takes lots of practice and exposure.
Ashley, Health Educator
I spoke with my counselor today and she is really good at helping to ground me, and encourage me during times of anxiety. She reminded me of how far I've came from ten years ago when she first met with me. My agoraphobia was so bad, that she, as a crisis interventionist, had to come counsel me in my home. She helped me remember the coping skills that I'd learned and just in general made me feel ten times stronger. It really boosted my confidence.
