Panic & Anxiety Attacks
Panic attacks, also known as anxiety attacks, are episodes of intense panic or fear. They can occur suddenly and without warning. At other times there are obvious triggers to a panic attack like giving a big speech or exposure to a social situation. During a panic attack the terror can be so severe that you feel like you could die, go crazy or totally lose control. The physical symptoms can be so frightening that many people think they are having a heart attack and seek medical help. After an anxiety attack is over, you may be worried about having another one, particularly in a public place or somewhere where you feel you can't escape.
Overwhelming Anxiety
We all know what anxiety feels like. Our heart may pound before a big presentation or tough exam. Or we may get butterflies in our stomach fretting over a difficult conversation we need to have. It's normal to worry and feel tense or scared when under pressure or facing a stressful situation. But when anxiety becomes overwhelming and turns into panic attacks it may interfere with your job, relationships and activities.
Treatment
The good news is that panic attacks typically respond well to treatment. The treatment will need to be tailored to the type of panic attacks you have but will usually involve
- learning ways of managing the panic attacks
- learning relaxation techniques
- identifying and challenging negative thinking patterns and irrational beliefs
- confronting your fears gradually in a safe and controlled manner
- making sense of the panic attacks in the context of your particular life history
Benefits of Therapy
Over time you will learn that the situations or emotions you have feared can be faced without harm and your anxiety will decrease. It is usually beneficial to also look at what underlying issues may be driving your panic attacks. This may involve looking in more detail at relationship patterns or uncovering difficult emotions and fears you may not have been aware of. Ultimately, good treatment will not only resolve your panic attacks but give you a greater sense of wellbeing, an increased knowledge of yourself and increased control over your life.
The Next Step
If you think you may be suffering from panic attacks or panic disorder it helps to talk to a professional trained in working with these problems. They can help you identify exactly what it is you are struggling with and explain how to start the recovery process. We have the necessary training, skills, experience and dedication to work with you safely, respectfully and steadfastly.
Find a Therapist
All of our team are experienced in working with panic attacks. See a map of Therapist Locations or find Auckland Therapist by suburb or learn more about the Counselling Services we offer.