What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is described as the occurrence of extreme fear prompted by intense physical and emotional reactions. Dr. Jason Schiffman of Psychology Today says that it is “not just a strong feeling of anxiety, but rather an explosion of terror that the brain reserves for only the most horrifying events.” Panic attacks can be helpful if you encounter life-threatening danger. It can, however, be disturbing when attacks keep on happening, even when there is no real danger.

More About Panic Attacks

A panic attack is related to anxiety. Like any form of anxiety, panic attacks can happen, even when there is no logical reason to be afraid. It is unclear as to how it starts, but it can be triggered by anxiety provoking experiences, ominous thoughts, and even physical sensations that usually accompany fear. Your genetic makeup can also be a predisposition that can leave you more prone to panic attacks.

The attacks can happen quickly, escalating quickly, typically reaching its peak in 10 to 15 minutes. After an attack, it can be very difficult for your body to return to its usual state. Panic attacks can be exhausting causing your body to need time to recover. If repeated attacks keep on happening, these processes can overlap. This can affect your physical and mental health, impacting how you think and feel. Frequent panic attacks may be an indicator of Panic Disorder.

A clinical hypnotherapist who was struggling with panic disorder for a decade before she got therapy confesses, “Panic attacks are pretty scary; I thought I was having a heart attack and dying, having no idea what was happening to me.” Panic Disorder can be overwhelming; however, it is treatable and can improve with proper intervention. 

The Telling Symptoms of a Panic Attack

Knowing what a panic attack is can be helpful. Psychology Today shares the following symptoms to watch out for:

  • Increased heart rate or palpitations
  • Sweating
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Shortness of breath or a feeling of being smothered
  • Choking sensations
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself
  • Numbness or tingling sensations, particularly in the extremities or around the lips
  • Chills or hot flashes

These are symptoms and reactions that are associated with the ‘fight or flight response,’ which is a common occurrence when you are confronted with danger or an emergency. Panic attacks generally happen in relation to anxiety or worry rather than actual danger. They can also be common if you have a history of trauma and you experience something that reminds you of what you went through. 

In Panic Disorder, attacks happen frequently and impact daily functioning. Often those with Panic Disorder will avoid doing things they need to do or want to do due to fear of having a panic attack. This disorder can greatly impact the way you live your life, though it doesn’t have to stay this way. 

Finding Hope with Counseling

When you are experiencing a panic attack, you are likely to feel that you are in real danger. If you are in danger it is understandable that you would feel anxiety and potentially panic. It can be difficult to learn new ways of coping and reacting distress on your own. During a panic attack, you may feel hopeless. Believe it or not, panic attacks respond well to therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). 

Counseling is effective in keeping panic attacks at bay. A CCS-contracted therapist can help figure out what triggers your panic attacks. They can also help you understand why your triggers affect you the way they do. Therapy can help you to feel more in control of your life and your reactions to distress. Call Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC today to get started.

Related Articles: