Panic Attacks
by: Lianne Johnson, LPC
There are several different ways in which Anxiety can manifest itself. One way is through Panic. It is usually referred to as a Panic Attack. Panic Attacks occur when we experience real or perceived danger that is overwhelming to us – it can cause you to feel as though you are out of control.
Have you ever experienced any (or all) of these symptoms?
- Loss of breath and it feels hard to breath
- Deep heaviness and pain in your chest as though an elephant were sitting on you
- Dizziness
- Spotted vision
- Nausea
- Heart beating quickly
- Body shaking
- Sweating
Has there been a time in your life when you felt fearful of something or someone to a debilitating degree and you experienced these symptoms? Or maybe nothing particular happened and you scratched your head wondering why that happened to you.
Have you answered yes to any of the above? If so, then it seems safe to say you had a Panic Attack. Panic Attacks tend to not last longer than +/-10 minutes, but the aftermath isn’t quite so quick. Your body is exhausted, you’re wondering if you are okay, and you are probably confused and disoriented. You may find yourself asking the question,”Am I CRAZY?!”
Take comfort in knowing that although you feel crazy, feeling like it doesn’t make it true.
Panic Attacks are treatable and preventable. You can learn relaxation and meditation techniques, meet with a counselor who can help you learn how to think through your panic in new ways and regain control over your thoughts (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), and you can take anti-anxiety medication to help with your short-term and long-term needs as you learn to manage your anxiety.
Over time as you utilize some of the above mentioned methods for anxiety management you will begin to feel less out-of-control and more in-control of your anxiety. The key to managing your anxiety well is to practice, practice, practice anxiety reducing techniques when you don’t have any anxiety at all. Why? This way you form habits and when anxiety strikes again the techniques you practice will be easier to recall.
Need help to develop your anxiety management plan? Contact our counseling center and we will assist you.