Our minds and bodies are designed to protect us from physical danger.

Once our minds perceive something as threatening, the fight-flight-or-freeze-response can quickly activate in an effort to keep us safe. However, sometimes this response is too intense (like in the case of panic attacks) or happens in situations when there isn’t actually a physical threat. Panic attacks (sometimes called “anxiety attacks”) are a quick rush of intense discomfort or anxiety that usually lasts a matter of minutes (although we know it can feel like an eternity). 

Common panic attack symptoms are:

• increased heart rate

• shaking

• sweating

• sense of short breath or choking

• chest discomfort

• nausea

• dizziness, light-headedness, or feeling like you’re going to faint

• feeling chills or warmth

• tingling sensations

• things seeming unreal

• feeling like you’re observing your body (from outside of yourself)

• fear of losing control or dying

• uncontrollable crying

• headache

When panic becomes a problem

Because panic attacks can be so uncomfortable and distressing, we sometimes try to make sure they don’t happen again. You might start to worry more and more about having another panic attack, and the potential results. Common fears of “making a scene,” “losing it,” or being unable to escape if another panic attack happens can lead to shrinking your life. You might skip out on situations associated with panic attacks, such as enclosed spaces (movie theaters, booths at restaurants, the middle row at church), long lines at the mall, crowded planes, etc. 

You might start doing new things to try to keep yourself safe, such as bringing water with you, counting down the minutes to a meeting ending, sitting near the exit, or bringing a familiar person with you. When this goes on for more than a month, you might be experiencing what’s called Panic Disorder. 

Therapy for panic attacks: How therapy can help you

Through Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) at TherLively you can learn more about how panic attacks and the physiological effects of anxiety work. Your therapist will equip you with tools to better manage anxiety and panic. We’ll work with you to identify patterns in your panic attacks, how you respond to them, and thoughts about your panic attacks that might actually be contributing to more anxiety. Through therapy, you can learn ways to develop more helpful thoughts to reduce anxiety and gradually face your fears through exposure therapy to aid in reducing anxiety in the long-term.

WANT TO READ MORE?

Learn more about how anxiety therapy in Southlake, Texas can help you by visiting our anxiety page.