What is Polyvagal theory (and can it actually stop a panic attack)?

I’m all about transparency, not TMI. That’s why TikTok is the best social network and a good place to confess naked within 15 seconds.It’s also a great plasticTo explore more … unconventional aspects of wellness and mental health trends ce. My phone and TikTok account may or may not have heard of recent therapy sessions. Polyvagal theoryAlso known as nervous system hacking.

What are we hacking now?

Basically, there is a theory that you can tell yourself everything you want about not being actually chased by monsters, but your body, or rather your brain, doesn’t care about you. It doesn’t matter if you take a deep breath in flight, fight, freeze, or phone mode. To deal with these adrenaline rushes of panic, the nervous system’s autoresponders need to be rewired.

My therapist sent me This podcast about it And I heard it twice and tried to absorb it as much as possible. I thought it was cool, so I decided to look it up as soon as I got back from my vacation. Then something happened, which reactivated a little of my traumatic response. Then I had a traumatic anniversary. Then my previously well-managed anxiety attack sneaked up on me again.

Would you like to freeze your boobs to reduce stress?

Immediately I walked around the house groaning and crying, not eating or sleeping.To separate, I went to TikTok and saw This video of a woman pasting frozen beef on her shirtThis is followed by a video of someone putting ice in a sports bra, saying “vagus nerve”, “vagus nerve theory”, “panic attack”, and “trauma” many times.

When I panic, my mind goes offline. Thinking-the way I make a living-stops. Somehow I needed a way to come back. So I put ice in a Mason jar, wrapped it in a baby washcloth, and stuck it on a bra. My son said, “You are behaving strangely.” He wasn’t wrong. But soon I felt right again.

Is it a placebo effect or is it real?

Sure, this is the actual placebo effect, isn’t it? I had to find out.I started asking the therapists for their thoughts and studied Vagus nerve, And icing my boobs as needed. As always, the internet is broken by whether this viral hack is a “professional tip” or just a hacky. Indeed, many of TikTok’s so-called professionals are not qualified mental health professionals. Some are just humans trying something that works for them, and as they say, do it if it feels good. Anyway, in a way.

It is worth noting that many of these content creators have declared themselves professional mental health professionals, even if they do not have a high degree of degree or specialized training. increase. They make money from the mental health crisis of people. Pay attention to these “coaches”, “gurus”, or “documents”. Panic attacks often mimic other life-threatening health symptoms such as heart attacks., And it is always better to see a real doctor and be told that you are anxious, rather than misdiagnosing your heart condition.If you are experiencing serious mental health problems and are thinking of committing suicide or injuring yourself or others, 911 or Suicide prevention hotline..

The theory has some truth

Therapists say there is a scientific, and therefore real, reason why the ice of chest tricks can help calm you. “Putting ice, frozen food, or something cold can help stop or prevent panic attacks. In therapeutic terms, it is”ground“—Involves one or more sensations as a form of distraction,” says Lindsey Manon of LCSW. Marati therapy In Texas. When you can focus on the cold instead, stop focusing on anxiety.

Another therapist describes the nervous system’s response to the cold. “It limits blood vessels and activates the vagus nerve,” he says. Christina P. CanzavelosLCSW Psychotherapist in Joshua Tree, CA. “When the vagus nerve is activated, it shifts from a sympathetic response (fight or flight) to a parasympathetic response (rest and digestion), which lowers the heart rate.” Basically, it keeps you spiraling further. Allows you to deal with your stress instead.

other “Ice therapyThere is clinical and anecdotal evidence that methods such as ice baths and cold showers are circulating the virus and, in fact, can help people with anxiety and panic attacks. However, it does not work for everyone or for eerie panic attacks. “If you shock your body too much when you are already vulnerable, it can take some time to get rid of your panic attack,” he said. Chris TompkinsPsychologist and writer. Other grounding exercises It may be more effective.

Substantial treatment is more important than the power of ice

Keep in mind the following: [ice] Is a tool and does not replace treatment to address the underlying concerns about why a panic attack is first occurring, “says Canta Zaberos. It may be good to cool your chest at the moment of stress (if so, do it), but it’s also important to investigate why you’re reaching for the freezer in the first place.

Consider talking to a therapist, a good friend, or a loved one, rather than just seeking comfort on TikTok. It’s not “normal”, even in these endless “unprecedented times”, that you feel very worried and need to cool down. It’s worth a little more comprehensive reassurance than quickly thawing the sternum meat.