The Gift of My Go-To Affirmation During My First-Ever Panic Attack

I recently had my first panic attack and I so hope you never have the experience of one…0 out of 10, do not recommend!And while this was a scary and unsettling experience, it’s important to me to share it with you to bring to light our continued conversation of mental health, some of my past experiences with anxiety, and what’s been helping recently. I share this personal experience in the hopes that you know you are not alone, and I see you.In the past when my oldest was born in 2017 I started having intrusive thoughts. Something like, “What if the house caught on fire, what would we do and how would we get out?” And I found that repeating the affirmation, “My baby is happy, healthy and safe,” ten times in a row helped me move past these thoughts. It gave me some distance from the intrusive thought, allowed me to acknowledge it, and then move forward and past it.Now fast forward to 2022 I’ve had my first panic attack. Thanks a lot Omicron!And amidst this turmoil my brain latched on to my affirmation that I used with my kids but my brain turned it around to say, “I am happy, healthy, and safe.” At first I said it really fast, however, with each time I said it I was able to say it just a little bit slower. This affirmation during my panic attack became my life preserver.So, I wanted to share my experience with you because I want you to feel seen. I want you to feel less alone. I want you to know that you are so freaking powerful! And you can take an affirmation to heart that speaks to anxiety or fear, and it can be there for you in a time of need. I don’t have all the answers, and I’m not a trained mental health professional, but it’s on my heart to share this with you in case this episode helps you in some small way.If you have mental health concerns that are impacting your life, especially your ability to go about your day and care for your child or yourself, then I absolutely encourage you too to speak to a medical professional for help. Visit the National Institute for Mental Health Resources for Help**And if you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave your 5 Star review and a few sentences about what your favorite take away from the podcast has been, and if your review is picked as a future Apple Podcast Review of the Week, then your next cup of coffee is on me!ResourcesFull Show NotesSubscribe to Kate’s Weekly Love Letter Join The LBD Co. Club Continue the Conversation on Instagram @mskatehouse Health Coaching with Kate Schedule Your Discovery CallPsychology Today Article on intrusive thoughtsMayo Clinic Article on panic attacksConnect with Liz Chapman - Podcast ManagerWebsiteInstagram---Connect with Kate: mskatehouse.com | the live by design blueprint | @mskatehouse | mastermind | courses | speaking | FREE overcoming overwhelm masterclass