Behind the Scenes of Aesthetic Medicine: Overcoming Panic Attacks as a Beauty Professional

As an aesthetic doctor, I was always eager to help my patients achieve their dream look. Whether it was a facelift or a simple injectable treatment, I was confident in my skills and had a real passion for helping people feel more confident and beautiful.

One day, I was performing a filler augmentation on a patient when suddenly, I felt my heart racing, and my hands started shaking uncontrollably. Panic overtook me for the first time, and I felt like I was losing my grip on the situation.

At that moment, I knew I had to take action. I excused myself from the procedure and took a few deep breaths, trying to collect myself. I reminded myself of all the successful procedures I had completed in the past, and I told myself that I was more than capable of handling this.

As an aesthetic doctor, I had always been meticulous and detail-oriented, which are crucial qualities in this field. I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform at the highest level and provide my patients with the best possible results. I was so committed to my job that I would often work long hours and skip breaks, convinced that any moment not spent perfecting my craft would be a missed opportunity.

While this dedication served me well in many ways, it also created a significant amount of stress and anxiety. I felt like I wasn’t allowed to make any mistakes and that the smallest slip-up could ruin a patient’s outcome or even harm them. This pressure was always in the back of my mind, and it made it challenging to relax and enjoy my work.

The panic attack that I experienced was a wake-up call. It made me realize that I needed to take a step back and prioritize my own well-being. I started to make a conscious effort to take breaks, practice self-care, and seek help from a therapist to manage my stress and anxiety. Over time, I learned that taking care of myself wasn’t just important for my own happiness and health, but it also made me a better aesthetic doctor.

By taking the time to recharge and refocus, I was able to approach each procedure with a clear mind and renewed energy. I was more present and engaged with my patients, which made them feel more comfortable and confident in my abilities. And while I still strive for perfection in my work, I’ve learned to be more forgiving of myself and to understand that mistakes happen, even to the best of us.

Now, I’m proud to say that I’m a happier and more fulfilled aesthetic doctor. By acknowledging my own limitations and taking steps to manage my stress, I’m able to provide my patients with the best possible care and results, without sacrificing my own well-being.

Noted: A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort that often reaches a peak within minutes and is accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and a feeling of being out of control. Panic attacks can be triggered by various situations or thoughts, or they can occur unexpectedly, without any apparent cause.

Panic attacks are a symptom of a mental health condition called Panic Disorder. People with Panic Disorder experience recurrent panic attacks, which can significantly interfere with their daily life and lead to avoidance of certain situations or activities. It's important to seek professional help if you think you might be experiencing panic attacks or Panic Disorder, as there are effective treatments available to help manage and reduce symptoms.