A Simple Tool for Easing Panic Attacks: The Lemon Hack

Panic attacks can strike anyone, even those without preexisting mental health conditions. The experience of a panic attack is both physically and emotionally overwhelming, often marked by symptoms like rapid heartbeat, trembling, sweating, and a profound sense of dread.

However, there might be a surprising and readily available remedy to help alleviate these distressing episodes, as highlighted by Jennifer Anders, a psychologist based in Colorado.

According to Huffpost.com in an Instagram reel that gained widespread attention last summer, Jennifer Anders, who manages The.Anxiety.Doc Instagram account, shared a unique method known as the "lemon panic attack hack." This unconventional approach has garnered immense interest, with over 2.7 million views and tens of thousands of likes, and continues to be shared on the platform today.

At its core, the "lemon panic attack hack" revolves around the concept of shifting one's awareness to the present moment, a technique often recommended by therapists to mitigate panic attacks. To apply this method, Jennifer suggests cutting a lemon into wedges and placing a slice in your mouth when you sense a panic attack emerging.

Explaining the mechanism behind this approach, Anders emphasizes that the hack serves as a grounding tool. By engaging your senses with the immediate experience of the lemon's taste, the mind is redirected away from the escalating panic and towards the tangible sensations in the present.

The sensation of sucking on a lemon is inherently strong. The sourness prompts an immediate physical response as your mouth puckers and your taste buds react. This intense sensory experience captivates your attention, effectively interrupting the anxiety cycle that fuels panic attacks.

What makes this method even more appealing is its accessibility. Lemons are a common household item, often found in kitchens around the world. In times of distress, the simplicity of this solution offers a quick and tangible way to regain control over your sensations and emotions.

While the "lemon panic attack hack" may not eliminate panic attacks altogether, it can provide a practical tool to manage immediate distress during an episode. By grounding yourself in the present moment, you can disrupt the cascade of anxious thoughts and physiological responses that characterize a panic attack.

Remember that coping strategies for panic attacks can vary from person to person. What works effectively for one individual might not be as impactful for another. If you find yourself struggling with panic attacks frequently, it's important to consult a mental health professional who can offer personalized guidance and support.

In conclusion, the "lemon panic attack hack" stands as a unique and intriguing approach to curbing the intensity of panic attacks. Its simplicity, combined with the principle of redirecting awareness, could potentially make a notable difference for those seeking a practical way to alleviate the overwhelming symptoms of panic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had major social and economic impacts. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health has been widely affected. "Plenty of us became more anxious; but for some COVID-19 has sparked or amplified much more serious mental health problems," said WHO. "A great number of people have reported psychological distress and symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress."

Recently, the BBC reported on a study that said the damage to people's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic was "minimal." Of course, people took to Twitter to share their true thoughts on the study BBC reported.

The study was done by Canadian researchers from institutions including the McGill, Ottawa, and Toronto universities, and published on March 8 in The BMJ. A peer-reviewed medical journal. This study found that "changes in general mental health, anxiety symptoms, and depression symptoms," due to the pandemic have been "minimal to small."

After the BBC shared its report on the study on Twitter, their account was flooded with responses from people who disagreed with the study’s conclusion. A lot of the tweets had examples of what people did during the pandemic that would debunk the study. It was noted along with the tweet that the review "was lacking in data for many vulnerable groups, and that the findings in it can't necessarily be applied to everyone." The tweet has more than 122.6 million views and over 47.8 thousand quote responses.

One user quoted the tweet saying, "i stayed up for 40 hours straight bc i thought 1d was getting back together on july 23rd 2020." Another Twitter user said that they "had a birthday party for the dishwasher." Their tweet showed her and a child sitting in front of the kitchen appliance while holding a birthday cake with a zero candle.

See how Twitter reacted to BBC News’ recent study below.

"My husband and I had our first baby and had to take care of him completely alone for the first six months of his life, but no, we are completely normal and trauma-free after that," tweeted Lucy Huber (@clhubes).

"'Women felt the impact of the pandemic more because of the jobs they do and the role they play in family life.' This suffering is not 'minimal,'" tweeted Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis (@RevJacquiLewis).

"I bought an orange one person tent, put it up in the garden, and sat cross legged in it for a week, just for a change of scenery. It blew away and I cried for another week," tweeted Jen (@CopyOfACopyJen).

"My hundreds of hours day trading in animal crossing beg to differ," tweeted Chris in Internal Comms (@chrisincomms).

"this study is a huge pile of trash," tweeted audrey farnsworth (@audipenny).