How to Calm a Panic Attack With a Highlighter

Trauma therapist Lauren Aurer of Steadfast Counseling described how a highlighter can help to assuage the anxiety of a panic attack. She explained to hold the highlighter (or any other object) in front, focus on it for a few seconds, and then shift gaze to look beyond it. Repeat that process several times, and the eye movement will help calm the panic. This is a technique of brainspotting, a therapy that uses a patient’s visual field to treat trauma.

What you’re doing is you’re activating your occularcardia reflex, which calms down your vagus nerve and regulates your breathing.

via Digg

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

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