PART 4 – CATASTROPHIC THOUGHTS

By William

(A person without good breathing is a person with a life of constant caution.)

As I have said before and will continue to remind folks, living with a chronic illness means living with the process of constant learning.

With me, I have COPD, severe asthma, fatigue and ADHD, each condition demanding its own level of understanding and learning.

I have always believed that the more we learn the better equipped we will be to face the challenges that come with our illnesses.

My ‘reflection’ series will always be about sharing that journey – the real, the raw, the everyday experiences that come with walking life with a chronic illness.

For so many of us, one of those experiences that at times is a real struggle to deal with is ‘PANIC ATTACKS’!!

This is the fourth and final entry of the four-part series ‘Thinking Panic Attacks’, and today we are talking about one of the most misunderstood and frightening parts of a ‘panic attack’ experience – CATASTROPHIC THOUGHTS!

CATASTROPHIC THOUGHTS:

Panic attacks can strike at any time, but they often hit hard when something triggers a fear related to our illness.

For me, it is the worry that my COPD/severe asthma will suddenly flare up with a SOB (shortness of breath) event while out and about in the public eye. The idea of having a SOB event at a public event can spark a full-blown panic attack episode in my world.

In my educating myself, I have found that panic attack symptoms often fall into three categories:

….. 1. Breath-related discomfort.

….. 2. Uncomfortable bodily sensations,.

….. 3. Catastrophic thoughts.

          Since we discussed the first two in parts two and three of the series, today we focus on the third one – catastrophic thoughts.

          Catastrophic thoughts often appear as one of three internal messages:

          …… 1. “I think I am losing my mind” = a fear that you are losing control of your thoughts or your grip on reality.

          …… 2. “I don’t know what is happening to my life” = a sense that everything is slipping out of your hands or control.

          …… 3. = a terrifying belief that you will not reach help in time.

                These thoughts feel ‘real’.

          These thoughts feel ‘immediate’.

          And they can be absolutely overwhelming and sometime terrifying.

          Unfortunately, not everyone around us will understand this. Some may dismiss these moments as overreaction or weakness.

          But those of us who live with chronic illness know better – these thoughts can shake a person to their core!

WHAT HELPS IN THESE MOMENTS OF CATASTROPHIC THOUGHTS

          When catastrophic thoughts begin to hit your world, it is important to.

          ….. Step back and take a pause.

          ….. Try to relax your breathing.

          ….. Reach out to someone you can trust.

          ….. Identify what triggered the panic attack.

          ….. Remove yourself from that trigger if possible.

          Catastrophic thoughts can be life altering if we do not have a plan and a support system.

It is important to find people you trust and can be part of that support system – then work on a plan.

          With awareness, preparation, and people we trust and will understand – one can navigate the panic attacks.

Remember – your sharing will help others feel less alone.

OUR REFLECTION HAS QUESTIONS

          Have you ever experienced a catastrophic thought panic attack?

          How did you work through it?

          All feedback goes to wheezingaway@gmail.com.

          A FINAL WORD – if you walk life with a chronic illness, stay alert to new information, new tools, and new ways to support your health. Knowledge is one of the strongest allies one has battling a chronic illness.

          Of you or someone you know is experiencing an ongoing breathing or health issue that disrupts daily life, please talk with a physician or specialist – getting answers matter.

Smiles, prayers, blessings, and steady breathing….

Have a good day.

(Copyright @2026 for CrossDove Writers – no part of this write may be used or copied without written permission.)