DeepSummary
The podcast episode features an interview with Matt Gutman, an ABC News correspondent who has struggled with panic attacks for over 20 years. He discusses the evolutionary origins of panic attacks, how they can be misdiagnosed as heart attacks, and the need to be kind to one's body to prevent attacks. He shares his journey of trying various therapies, including breath work and psychedelics, to overcome his panic disorder.
Gutman emphasizes the importance of recognizing that panic attacks are normal and only last 15 to 90 seconds. He suggests techniques like the "five senses" exercise to ground oneself during an attack. He also highlights the power of openly acknowledging when one is experiencing a panic attack, as it can help defuse its intensity.
Throughout the conversation, Jana Kramer shares her own experiences with anxiety and panic attacks, including how they were triggered by past trauma. She and Gutman exchange insights on managing anxiety through mindfulness, exposure therapy, and understanding the underlying causes.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Panic attacks are a normal physiological response, and understanding their evolutionary origins can help individuals manage them more effectively.
- The period of a panic attack is relatively short, typically lasting between 15 to 90 seconds, and the subsequent feelings are often related to the body's cortisol response.
- Openly acknowledging and naming a panic attack can help defuse its intensity and power.
- Different techniques, such as breath work, mindfulness exercises, and exposure therapy, can be effective in managing panic attacks, but what works may vary from person to person.
- Being kind to one's body by engaging in self-care practices like exercise, proper nutrition, and limiting stimulants like caffeine can help prevent or reduce the occurrence of panic attacks.
- Seeking professional help, whether through talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or alternative approaches like psychedelics, can be beneficial in overcoming panic disorders and understanding the underlying causes.
- Sharing personal experiences and insights about anxiety and panic attacks can help destigmatize these conditions and provide a sense of community and support for those struggling with them.
- Past traumatic experiences can contribute to the development of anxiety and panic disorders, and addressing the underlying causes through therapies like EMDR may be necessary for some individuals.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I needed to lose control. I understand the way you are, and worrying is like, one of the greatest evolutionary traits that primates, apes, great apes, humans had ever developed.“ by Matt Gutman
- “Have you ever had a panic attack when you were on air?“ by Jana Kramer
- “Listen, I'll put it into a couple of categories. The first category is like, and, you know, everybody is, everybody is different.“ by Matt Gutman
- “That is so. And I didn't learn that until 2022. So I'd been dealing with panic for 22 years before I finally admitted to someone in the moment. And this was like doing an interview. It was the first time I'd ever had a panic attack just talking to someone. Um, and I just. I just come from a cognitive behavioral therapist who's like, just as you said, you defang it by naming it.“ by Matt Gutman
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Episode Information
Whine Down with Jana Kramer
iHeartPodcasts
6/13/24
Jana tackles the complicated subject of anxiety and panic attacks with the help of Matt Gutman, an author and national news reporter who suffered a panic attack while on air.
Matt shares some helpful information for anyone dealing with anxiety in their daily lives, and they discuss the implications of under-diagnosing panic attacks.
If you struggle with panic attacks, you need to hear this conversation!
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