CAN WEARING A SMARTWATCH HELP WITH ANXIETY
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My Experience with Panic Attacks
For many years, I struggled with panic attacks and anxiety. During that time, I was willing to try anything that might help me better understand what was happening to my body.
One of the tools that surprised me the most was a smartwatch.
It didn't stop my panic attacks.
It didn't eliminate my anxiety.
But it gave me reassurance during some of my most difficult moments, and that reassurance became an important part of my recovery.
Why I Bought a Smartwatch
Ironically, I didn't buy my first smartwatch because of anxiety.
I purchased an early Fitbit simply because I enjoyed exercising and wanted to track my activity.
As someone who had exercised regularly for years, I thought it would be a fun way to monitor my workouts.
I never imagined it would become something I relied on during panic attacks.
A Trip to the Supermarket
One of the places that often triggered my anxiety was my daily trip to the supermarket after work.
Just getting out of my car would make me feel lightheaded, and walking into the bright lights of the store often made those feelings even stronger.
My nervous system had become so sensitized that I noticed every little sensation in my body: dilated pupils, lightheadedness, shallow breathing, and even the slightest change in my heart rate.
Dr. Claire Weekes referred to that lightheaded feeling as "giddiness," a term that perfectly described what I was experiencing.
A slight change in how I felt would immediately trigger fearful thoughts.
Those thoughts would release more adrenaline, making my symptoms even worse.
It became a cycle that many people who experience panic attacks will recognize.
Whenever those moments happened, I would look at my Fitbit and check my heart rate.
Before wearing a Fitbit, I had never noticed that my heart rate naturally increased when I stood up and got out of my car. Once I began tracking it, I realized this was perfectly normal. My nerves had become so sensitized that I felt every little change in my body.
Many times, whether I was having dinner with friends and family or sitting in a meeting at work, I would suddenly feel lightheaded and think I was about to pass out.
I would simply turn my wrist, look at my heart rate, and see that everything was normal.
The nice thing was that no one even noticed I was checking it.
Seeing those numbers reminded me that although I felt frightened, my body wasn't actually in danger.
That small bit of reassurance often stopped my anxiety from spiraling even further.
Upgrading to an Apple Watch
As time went on, I decided to purchase an Apple Watch because I wanted access to more detailed health information.
Features like heart rhythm notifications, sleep tracking, and the Breathe app gave me additional confidence.
While no smartwatch can replace professional medical advice or treatment, I found it reassuring to have helpful information available on my wrist whenever I needed it.
What Actually Helped Me Recover
Although my smartwatch became a valuable tool, it wasn't what helped me overcome my panic attacks.
Recovery came when I gradually changed my reaction to the symptoms I was experiencing.
Instead of avoiding situations that made me anxious, I slowly began facing them.
Little by little, I stopped fearing the panic attacks themselves.
Over time, they became less frequent until they eventually disappeared.
The smartwatch didn't do that work for me.
It simply gave me enough reassurance to keep moving forward.
Looking back, I believe that reassurance was incredibly valuable.
If you'd like to learn more about the approach that helped me recover, I've shared my experience in greater detail in my article about How I Overcame Panic Attacks and Anxiety.
I also explain why breathing exercises didn't always help me during a panic attack and what I found more effective in Breathing Exercises for Anxiety: My Experience.
Where the Idea Came From
I originally got the idea of using a smartwatch as an anxiety aid after watching a television show on Animal Planet called My Extreme Animal Phobia. The host, Dr. Robin Zasio, helped people overcome their fears through gradual exposure.
While watching the show, I remember thinking how helpful it would be if someone suffering from panic attacks had a doctor standing beside them during an attack, checking their pulse and reassuring them that everything was okay.
Of course, that wasn't realistic.
Then it occurred to me that a smartwatch could do something similar.
To me, wearing a smartwatch was like having someone beside me during a panic attack, checking my vital signs and reassuring me that everything was going to be okay.
That simple idea gave me the confidence to continue putting myself into situations that triggered my anxiety instead of avoiding them.
Looking back, I believe it became one of the catalysts that helped me recover.
Could a Smartwatch Help You?
Everyone's experience with anxiety is different, so I can't say whether wearing a smartwatch will help you.
I can only share what it did for me.
Both my Fitbit and later my Apple Watch became valuable tools during my recovery. They didn't cure my anxiety, but they gave me reassurance when I needed it most.
If you're someone who becomes frightened by the physical sensations that often accompany anxiety, being able to check your heart rate may provide reassurance and help you better understand what's happening.
For me, it became one of several tools that supported my recovery.
Continue Your Journey
Living with anxiety can feel overwhelming, but there is hope.
My recovery didn't happen overnight, and it certainly wasn't because of one device.
It came from learning about anxiety, gradually changing my reaction to it, and taking small steps forward every day.
The smartwatch simply became one of the tools that gave me the confidence to keep moving forward.
If you'd like to learn more about my journey, you may also enjoy these articles:
If sharing my experience helps even one person feel a little less afraid, then writing this page has been worthwhile.
If you have questions about my experience with panic attacks, anxiety, or how Tai Chi became part of my recovery, you're always welcome to contact me. While I'm not a medical professional, I'm happy to share what I've learned through my own journey.
I wish you the very best on your journey.
Your journey, our shared path.™
Medical Disclaimer: The information shared on taichidaily.com is based on my personal experience and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about anxiety or your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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