A Side of Anxiety and Panic Attacks for Thanksgiving?

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com

Anxiety and Panic Attacks around Thanksgiving are a common phenomenon for many.

Why would this be?

Well, aside from the lovely aspects of Thanksgiving, there are also pressures that many can experience. I've come up with a short list of the . . .

"Top Anxiety-related Thanksgiving themes":

1.) Conflict with RELATIVES including parents, siblings, etc.

2.) Flying and other forms of travel

3.) Cooking

4.) Returning to locations with a lot of past memories

5.) Planning to visit only significant other's family

6.) Diet (or a soon lack thereof)

7.) Time off work

8.) Assigning a lot of value and meaning to the experience
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How's that for a comprehensive list? If you can think of others, feel free to share.

One aspect of anxiety and panic attacks around Thanksgiving is related to a desire for a specific experience. For example, a need for everything to run smoothly, or for everyone to get along, or for others to enjoy the day, or needing the meal to be special, or simply a need to avoid having anxiety.

When we need to have a specific experience, we are attempting to control a situation that is more than likely not under our complete control. This can lead to anxiety and panic attacks.

This Thanksgiving, focus on being in the moment - Have the experience you're having. Catch yourself trapped in future-oriented thinking and refocus on the present.

And, of course, take solace in the fact that Thanksgiving will soon pass and fade in memory - no matter if it is a wonderful day or one you deem a horror.

But most importantly, consider this Thanksgiving a time to practice studying and dealing with your anxiety.

Follow this link for more on how to handle anxiety and panic attacks