Page 76 - Advance Copy: Todd Kaufman, Author

TODD KAUFMAN
me. My amygdala, who I knew as Homer, really just wanted two things:
1. My attention – Homer was concerned I was in danger (for some unknown reason), and wanted to make sure I knew about it.
2. My cooperation – Homer wanted me to create thoughts to figure out how to best protect myself from this potential danger.
And just like that, I discovered the MOST IMPORTANT
THING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO END YOUR PANIC ATTACKS AND MANAGE YOUR ANXIETY:
NEVER FIGHT A PANIC ATTACK!
The moment you try to fight a panic attack, whether it is with CBT or breathing exercises, or any other way, all Homer hears is your mind gearing up to fight the experience, and Homer, the simple guy he is, floods you with more adrenaline and cortisol. You fight harder, and he releases more hormones, and the war escalates.
And up to that very moment, every professional had been telling me I could ‘fight’ off the feelings if I just ‘worked’ hard enough and used all of the great tools they gave me!
So in the wee hours of that morning, a unique plan was hatched. I was done fighting. Like a good parent caring for a screaming, petulant child, I was ready to be compassionate, aware, patient and supportive. I named the guy in my head Homer that night. It was pretty clear that if I gave Homer what he wanted, he was willing to back off. And after all, all he wanted was my attention and to protect me.
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