I used to have horrible panic attacks. Juggling the demands of having three young children, the sensory overload—loud noises, bright lights, and constant activity - often felt suffocating. I also constantly felt pulled in a million directions, which left my brain scattered.
This is a pic of me from thirteen years ago. I seem pretty put together - makeup on, and accessorized. Posing with my two kids, ages 3 and 5, and one on the way (I'm almost 9 months preggo here). The kids are looking cute and we're almost out the door to go to Christmas dinner with my parents.
I remember this day because in my head I was a mess. I was experiencing constant panic attacks. I looked back at my old journal from this time and wrote "I feel like a wave is crashing over me and I'm doing everything I can from drowning."
It’s crucial to understand that you can’t just “snap out" of a panic attack. Telling myself to calm down often made things worse and someone else telling me to calm down would send me into a rage.
My therapist was a huge help back then and encouraged me to acknowledge what I was experiencing. She then said something to me that shifted my mindset:
"It’s okay to feel this way; it doesn’t define your ability to be a great mom."
I created the worksheet below based on some notes I had in my old journals. These steps helped me when I was experiencing a panic attack and I hope they help you.
And don't forget, you’re doing your best.
About the Author:
Elizabeth Rago is a mama, wife, and the creator of The Modern Domestic Woman (MDW).
Starting with silly beginnings writing about home decor and DIY projects, Elizabeth found MDW to be a happy distraction from her stressful life as a mom of three.
After a series of unfortunate events including job loss, a car accident, bankruptcy, and a physical and emotional breakdown, Elizabeth felt compelled to shift the primary focus of MDW from pretty pictures and goofy memes to a space of honest support for the everyday woman.
Learn more about Elizabeth at MDWcares.com
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