Have you ever felt sudden, overwhelming terror that has no obvious cause that brings a racing heart, breathing difficulties, and sweating? This describes a panic attack. Multiple experiences of this common health issue are indicative of a panic disorder
Even though the symptoms of this disorder can be quite overwhelming and frightening, they can be managed and improved with treatment and an understanding or what is happening to you
Have you ever had an experience where you started to feel dizzy and shaky, your heart was pounding, you perhaps felt tingling in your fingers or lips, and had an overwhelming sense of fear or doom for a period of time? If so, then you may have suffered a panic attack. You may have been concerned that something was seriously wrong, possibly gone to the doctor to check for heart problems only to be told that you are perfectly fine. Whilst this is reassuring, you may nonetheless be fearful of having another ‘attack’. Multiple panic attacks are indicative of a panic disorder – which can leave you with a persistent fear of having another panic attack.
Understand this condition of panic disorders
Panic disorder is a common anxiety disorder. Often symptoms start without a clear cause and because they are mainly physical in nature, both the sufferer and the doctor may mistake it for a physical condition. The key feature is the “panic attack” which usually occurs out of the blue. This is a period of fear or discomfort with many physical symptoms. In addition to those mentioned above, others include sweating, shortness of breath, feeling of choking, chest pain, nausea, feeling detached from oneself, fear of dying. A secondary fear can then develop, which becomes a fear of the fear and of places where previous attacks have occurred. For example, a person who has woken from sleep with a panic attack may be too afraid to go to sleep lest it happen again.
Counseling can provide an understanding of the mechanism of panic and anxiety so that a person can manage the rising anxious feelings using cognitive (thinking) techniques. At times, if a person feels that his/her body has completely lost control, then a referral will be made to a doctor for assessment and possible medication.
Knowing how to control panic attacks can be an important step in rebuilding your relationship.
When you’re trying to fix your relationship but your emotions are out of control, you will often end up fighting. Knowing what causes your panic and anxiety will help you understand why you behave like you do. It’s time to get some professional help.
You can change this today.
I can help you to:
- Lay the groundwork for building emotional skills to achieve a high level of peace and calm within yourself.
- Know your emotional style – the fight or flight response – and how you react in emotional situations.
- Understand your emotional brain – learn how your brain affects your personal emotions.