Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks Fast

by Barry McDonagh

SUMMARY OF THE DARE RESPONSE FOR PANIC ATTACKS If you feel the beginnings of a panic attack, respond to those initial waves of anxiety with a “so what/whatever.” You’re safe. Your body can handle it! As the waves increase, accept and allow all the uncomfortable anxious thoughts and sensations to just be. Don’t resist them. Bob up and down with them. Repeat to yourself, “I accept and allow this anxious feeling.” If a wave of anxiety peaks into a panic attack, run toward it. Tell yourself that you feel excited and then call fear’s bluff by demanding more! Ride up and over the wave of adrenaline. Once the initial flood of adrenaline has passed, understand that there may be a few more minor waves of adrenaline to come—like aftershocks. Don’t expect to feel calm anytime soon. You’re going to feel on edge as the stress hormones slowly clear from your system. Allow your body to shake if it wants to and to complete the last steps of The DARE Response—engaging fully with an activity.