All organisms have been given the intrinsic “fight or flight” defense mechanism that protects and preserves their species. It is an adaptive function that is aimed for self-preservation. When anxiety or panic attacks in time of real or perceived danger, adrenaline and other chemicals are activated and physical symptoms occur, rapid heart rate, palpitations, increase in blood pressure, etc. In this sense, anxiety or panic is beneficial. So, if panic is nature’s way to preserve the human species, then it must be good for us, right? Wrong!
Panic and anxiety can trigger or worsen symptoms of depression and addiction. It can take a very powerful emotional toll on its victim. Aside from the overwhelming sense of fear, it can also show more tangible symptoms associated with the fear of physical loss of control, perceived heart attack, or
even possible death.
Panic sets in when you feel trapped and you have nowhere to go to escape the problem facing you. You are agitated and clear thinking becomes impossible. You start to run aimlessly like a headless chicken. However, losing your head at times like this is the worst thing you should allow to happen.The following facts would help you maintain your sanity and keep your head when you most need it:
• Pain is an inevitable part of growing, physically and mentally. Bear in mind that not all pains are created equal depending on how we perceive them to be. There is the pain that destroys and the pain that builds up lives. The complete absence of pain could result to a retarded life. This has been proven by the pitiful lives of spoiled brats and of those who lived sheltered lives, “saved” from the pains of life. Move on from what hurts you but never forget the lessons they leave behind. Every goal worth striving for requires some sacrifice and time to achieve. Patience and a positive attitude are needed for its eventual attainment.
• Nothing is permanent in this life. All the aches and pains you feel now will eventually pass away. Just wait patiently and make sure that when it does, it leaves you still intact and ready to move on to better times. On the other hand, you do not have to worry that the good times you
are having now would suffer the same fate. The same thought about life’s cycle can prepare you better for the inevitable storms and be able to survive them unscathed. In short, pains should not make you lose your head since they inevitably come and go as long as you live. If millions of less fit people survive can them, why can’t you?
• Whining and complaining can get you nowhere. They waste your time and drain you emotionally. It is a fact that congenital complainers are 
seldom doers. Their energy is squandered in wallowing in discontent rather than working to improve themselves. Once you accept loss and defeat, then you are lost and defeated—your thoughts become you. Wasting your time complaining about what had happened will not make your future any better. Pick up the pieces of your shattered past and learn to improve on what is left. Instead of complaining about your problems, start being grateful for all the problems you do not have.
• Failures are badges of your strengths. More than statuettes and plaques, the scars left by the failures you conquered are better and meaningful reminders of your struggles and triumphs over them. Hence, do not be overly concerned that your trials would mean the permanent ruin of your professional, or even personal, life so that they should put you into panic mode. Rather, take the scars these trials leave as proofs of your resilience to succeed come what may.
• Every struggle you face proves you are still on the race. Finding everything to seem too quiet may tempt you to be complacent. You may be missing on things that could catch up with you one day when you least expect them. As long as challenges come your way which may sometimes cause pain, it indicates that you are still on the right path to success. Be calm and patient in times of these challenges. Keep a positive attitude while meeting them instead of allowing anxiety and panic dominate you.
• Surround yourself with positively people. Mingle with them so you can absorb their optimism, especially during your dark hours. Do not allow the negativity of others affect or bother you. Maintain a happy disposition and keep your enthusiasm alive despite their pessimistic attitude. Refuse to be manipulated by their negativity. Prove to them that you could rise above your problems and do not give in to their panicky “advice”.
• Keep going. Do not allow problems paralyze you from moving on. The more you procrastinate, the greater chance of you to panic and prevent you from thinking clearly. Do not over-analyze the problem because this would just exaggerate the situation. Keep moving and initiate even the smallest positive step to action. This will trigger your brain to start its earnest search for a solution.
Whenever you feel like throwing in the towel and your trials seem insurmountable, do not panic. Remember that things may sometimes have to go very wrong before they can be alright. In times of troubles, hold your head up high and do not lose it!