Have you ever had a panic attack? Difficult breathing? Sweating? Feeling like you are going to pass out?

About ten years ago, our family- my husband, our two sons and myself- went sailing. Bear in mind, we have been on all types of boats and have never had any problems. We feel quite comfortable on them. All of us are strong swimmers. But for some reason, on that day, I just panicked. It was a little blowy but it wasn’t a gale force storm. The boat was heeled over but that’s what boats are supposed to do. In addition, it was a larger sailboat (with a keel) which would be pretty difficult to capsize. (Not like the sunfishes of my youth.) My husband and sons are very good sailors and I trust them on the water. While I knew all of those practical things my body still experienced panic- I was sure we were going to capsize and go into the brink.

When my husband and I were first dating and then first married (sans les enfants), we had a sailboat in addition to weekly crewing for a racing boat. While I had a VERY BASIC understanding about sailing, I really did not know what I was doing. During a race, I would be told to “hold this, pull on that, or sit on the high (or low) side”. I am one of those people who does not like doing something without knowing the why behind the action and so, while the experience was fun I didn’t get the full enjoyment out of it.

You know you live by the water when the neighborhood play ground contains real boats.

Where we live now there are many sailboats. At this point we do not see ourselves as sailboat owners (two kayaks and a canoe are enough play toys) but we have received invites to sail. I do not want to have a panic attack during an outing and want to feel comfortable on a boat so that I can enjoy our friends and the experience. There is a local sailing school which offers adult classes to learn to sail. I decided that I needed to conquer this fear/panic head on and so have enrolled in classes. I have had three lessons thus far. We start with “chalk talk”- the instructor gives us the theory while we are on the dock and then we are assigned a boat- usually two students with one instructor. The boats are great for students- they are “self-righting”- meaning that you cannot heel over too much without the boat correcting itself and remaining upright. The first night out, I did feel somewhat panicky but so far with each subsequent evening out, I feel a little more comfortable. Hopefully when I am through with these sessions, while I may not be ready to take on the America’s Cup, I will feel okay to go out and cruise around.

Recently, I’ve been reading about the increase of anxiety in our society. Apparently there is a difference between anxiety and panic. While some of the physical features are similar (increased heart rate, hyperventilating, sweating, trembling, GI difficulties) anxiety is more of a state of being: feeling of pending doom, irritable, difficulty sleeping, feeling weak or tired. Panic is part of one’s flight or fight mechanism: in addition to the similar physical features of anxiety, panic can feel like one is choking, having chest pain, palpitations, or experience dizziness. Some people have limited-symptom panic attacks and might even have them infrequently. Usually the onset of a panic attack is sudden and doesn’t last too long. Anxiety can become chronically paralyzing by the worry of all sorts of things. There is a deep feeling that if one worries about an item, one has more control over the outcome and that the mental worry will even prevent the outcome from happening. While we know that this is magical thinking and doesn’t happen, we do it nonetheless.

I found an interesting article by David Rosmarin, PhD, ABPP about anxiety in the business community. Turns out that employees are very anxious today. No surprise. I would say, everyone I know is anxious today especially regarding one’s employment (or lack thereof). We are very uncertain about our futures. Yet, how do we go about dealing with it? Dr. Rosmarin suggests that we take a page out of elite athletes and some corporate heads: uncertainty (which can lead to anxiety) needs to be reframed as a key to innovation as well as a mindset of positive energy which drives us forward. The idea is that anxiety is not because something is wrong but rather something important is at stake (athletic performance, business profits, etc.). We should look at anxiety not as a disease but as a powerful emotional signal. He writes:

“The problem isn’t anxiety itself. The problem is how we respond to it. Business leaders often interpret uncertainty, nervousness, or emotional struggle as signs of dysfunction. That misinterpretation is costly. It prevents leaders and teams from harnessing anxiety as fuel for growth, connection, and sustained performance.

Here’s what it could look like to embrace anxiety as part of a healthier corporate culture:

First, corporations should make space for anxiety, instead of immediately trying to eliminate it. Leaders who name their own discomfort (without oversharing) create psychological safety for others to do the same. This builds trust and authenticity.
Second, leaders should normalize uncertainty. Anxiety intensifies in secrecy. Acknowledging that no one has all the answers can foster humility, more adaptive decision-making, and provide permission for team members to take calculated risks.
Third, anxiety should be connected to purpose. When team members get the jitters, it’s because they care. Reframing anxiety as an expression of core values can transform fear into energy and action.

By weaving anxiety into leadership conversations — not as a flaw but as a feature — we move toward a more human-centered culture, one marked by connection, vulnerability, and resilience.” (https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/why-corporations-should-embrace-anxiety)

What about you? Have you ever felt panicky? Do you suffer from anxiety? Do you know what prompts it? Is it work related? Or something else? Have you ever spoken to anyone about it? A professional? What can you do about it?

I like the suggestions from Dr. Rosmarin. When we are anxious it is because we care deeply about something. I think of the anxiety that I have sometimes when I think about our one son’s future. For me, I have to constantly re-frame my thinking and turn him and his future over to God. Pray More, Worry Less, as the pillow in our living room suggests.

Meanwhile, I continue with my sailing lessons and do a lot of praying while on the boat!