To manage panic attacks, there are many methods that have been circulating in recent years and that people are practicing for a relief of their condition. It can be breathing, grounding or visualization techniques, but people on TikTok are fixated on another method: It's called the "sour candy" method!
According to therapist Fatema Jivanjee-Shakir, to regain a sense of security and control, it's important to bring your attention back to your body in the present.
A viral video shows how the sour taste of candy can "activate the parasympathetic nervous system that is responsible for relaxation."
How do sour candies help with panic attacks?
Basically, these candies serve as a distraction to take the body out of its stress response. "The beauty of eating these candies is that they immediately awaken your senses," says clinical psychologist Raquel Martin. "You can focus on chewing or inhaling them, trying to get to the sweet part, etc. All of this instantly adjusts your central focus, which is the goal, so relieving the anxiety state."
She says that some people find these kinds of sour candies beneficial, while others don't. If you are not a fan of sweets, to have the same effect as with the sourness of these candies, you can try similar foods, such as biting a lemon, putting salt on your tongue, trying spicy sauce, etc. All of these help take your brain out of panic and bring your attention back to the present.
Other coping mechanisms for panic attacks:
-5-4-3-2-1 Technique: This is a method that helps you focus on all your senses. Name five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste.
-Create a routine : With your eyes closed, imagine walking home or making your favorite meal. Follow yourself through each step of these actions, even with your eyes closed. This will create more focus and concentration.
-Categorization: Think of a category such as animals, street names, vegetables or plants; list as many items in one category as you can, then move on to the next. Experts say this is a good way to focus on the present and take some time off from panic attacks.
-Ice: Shocking your system with ice can help you focus on the present moment. You can hold an ice cube or a frozen orange to your face, take a cold shower, so focus on the feeling of the ice melting and the cold on your hands and body.
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