Often times when in the midst of intrusive anxiety filled thoughts, or a panic attack, there is nothing we want more than for it to stop right then and there. Who wouldn’t, I mean it is a terrible feeling and it would be great if there were a magical cure that you could snap your feelings and it would all be better. The thing is though that it just isn’t realistic. There is no instant fix for anxiety. The truth is that it is a very long road requiring hard work to be able to manage severe anxiety and panic disorder. It takes practice and consistency and even then there will still be set backs. I used to hate meditation and journaling and breathing techniques, convinced that after trying them once while in the midst of a panic attack and they didn’t work that they were utterly useless. The thing is, that these are things we have to implement throughout our daily routine and stay consistent with, it takes time for our bodies and minds to heal from anxiety and unlearning negative thought patterns can be difficult. So I suppose what I am trying to say, is not to get discouraged if meditation, breathing exercises, journaling, etc, haven’t worked for you. They can still be helpful, you just have to be willing to give them time. Nothing is learned in a day. Be patient with yourself, it’s ok to have setbacks, it’s ok to have bad moments, or bad days just remember that they will not last forever no matter how hard your mind is trying to convince you otherwise.