Creating a thought record journal for can be a valuable tool in the journey towards managing anxiety and panic attacks. Below are suggestions I give to my clients for creating a thought record journal:

Date and Time:

Note the date and time of each entry. This can help identify patterns in thoughts and experiences over time.

Trigger/ Situation:

Describe the specific trigger or situation that led to the anxious thoughts or the onset of a panic attack. This could include a brief description of the context or environment.

Automatic Thoughts:

Record the automatic thoughts that occurred in response to the trigger. These are the initial, often negative, thoughts that pop into their minds.

Emotions and Intensity:

Identify and rate the intensity of the emotions they experienced during the situation. This could include feelings of fear, anxiety, frustration, or sadness.

Physical Sensations:

List any physical sensations they noticed during the anxious episode. This may include increased heart rate, shortness of breath, muscle tension, or other bodily reactions.

Cognitive Distortions:

Recognize and categorize any cognitive distortions present in their automatic thoughts. Common distortions include catastrophizing, black-and-white thinking, and overgeneralization.

Alternative Thoughts:

Replace automatic thoughts with more balanced and realistic alternative thoughts. Consider other perspectives and reinterpret the situation.

Behavioral Response:

Describe how you behaved or what actions you took in response to their thoughts and feelings. This could include avoidance behaviors, safety behaviors, or other coping mechanisms.

Outcome:

Reflect on the outcome of the situation. Did your initial fears or concerns materialize, or did the situation unfold differently than anticipated?

What You Have Learned:

Reflect on what you have learned from the experience. This could include insights into their thought patterns, the effectiveness of coping strategies, or areas for personal growth.

Coping Strategies:

List or brainstorm coping strategies that could be employed in similar situations. This section can serve as a resource for you to turn to when facing future challenges.

Successes and Achievements:

Acknowledge and celebrate any successes or achievements, no matter how small. This can help foster a positive mindset and build self-confidence.

Goals for Improvement:

Set specific and realistic goals for improvement. These goals could focus on challenging specific cognitive distortions, implementing new coping strategies, or gradually facing feared situations.

Reflection and Summary:

Reflect on the overall experience and summarize key takeaways. This can help consolidate their learning and track progress over time.

By incorporating these elements into the thought record journal, you have a structured and comprehensive tool for self-reflection and skill development. Regular use of the journal can contribute to increased self-awareness, improved coping skills, and a better understanding of the factors influencing their anxiety and panic attacks.