How to Manage Anxiety & Panic Attacks

If you feel like your anxiety and stress have intensified since COVID-19, you're not alone. Nearly half of Asian Americans have reported anxiety during the pandemic, according to a recent report by Stop AAPI Hate. 

This is a mini podcast episode focused on panic attacks: what they are, where they come from and what we can do about it. I'm also going to share my own personal recent experience with panic attacks as a mom, wife, entrepreneur, daughter, sister, and human.

Let us know if you want more of these Thrive Spice Guides - simple, practical yet personal guides to common mental health challenges, tailored for Asian Americans. Send us a DM on Instagram @thrivespice or email us at "info" @ thrivespicemedia.com.

Show Notes:

How to Deal With a Panic Attack
Practice these 5 steps to get to safety - physically, emotionally and psychologically.

1. Physical Assessment. Stop and get to safe space where you can recover.  Breathe. Drink some water. Have you eaten yet? (There’s a reason why Asian parents always ask!)

2.  Practice Extreme Mindfulness by Zooming In.  Use your five senses to listen to sounds, sights, smells, etc to become aware of your surroundings.

3.  Zoom Out with Compassion - Imagine yourself as the lead character in a movie. What external or internal circumstances are making this moment difficult in their life right now?

4.  Ask For Help.  Talk to a therapist, family member, friend (Need help finding a mental health professional? Additional resources are listed below for AAPI community)

5. Practice Gratitude.  Your body is trying to tell you something. What else can you be grateful for in this difficult moment?

Want more mental health resources for Asian Americans? Check out www.thrivespicemedia.com.