Panic Attacks
And Panic Attack Symptoms
Your Body’s False Alarm
Panic attacks are overwhelming bursts of fear that often come on for no apparent reason and fool you into believing that something is really wrong with your body. They can also be triggered by specific situations you dread – – like having to give a presentation, riding a crowded elevator, or driving on the freeway.
If you worry about having more panic attacks, then you have Panic Disorder. And if you avoid situations you fear will trigger a panic attack – – then you also have agoraphobia.
Panic Attack Symptoms
Whatever context they occur in, panic attacks scare the daylights out of you and trick you into thinking you are going to pass out – – or lose control of yourself – – or die! Like most people who suffer from panic attacks, you probably experience several of these symptoms:
Panic Attack Symptoms
People who contact me for help with panic attacks want to know what’s wrong with them. Actually, nothing’s wrong with you, although it certainly feels like it.
What’s happening is that your internal alarm system – – which is supposed to flood you with adrenaline when there’s a true emergency – – is going off – – by mistake.
You’re getting tricked by anxiety into thinking you’re in grave danger – – when you’re not. You think “Uh oh, something’s really wrong with me!”
Panic attacks don’t do any of the things you think they will.
Panic Attack Symptoms
If you’re like most people who experience panic attacks, you probably react to them in several ways. Maybe you:
Unfortunately, all of these behaviors are the opposite of how you ought to react to panic. Avoiding or fleeing the scene keeps panic coming back.
Panic Attack
Fortunately, panic attacks, Panic Disorder and agoraphobia are very treatable. The key to overcoming panic attacks is learning how to tolerate the uncomfortable, scary symptoms with a new attitude– – which is: “This is uncomfortable – – but I’m not in any danger. I can handle this.” And the way to get over agoraphobia is to go toward the situations that scare you and stay put while your panic subsides.
With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure Therapy you will quickly learn how to manage anxiety symptoms and overcome panic attacks. I will teach you:
How To Get Started
I offer a free phone consultation to discuss your situation, answer your questions and tell you how I would approach treating your problem.